Mapeza in plea for support

Fungai Muderere
FORMER Warriors skipper Norman Mapeza, now the senior national team interim head coach, has appealed to this soccer loving nation to fully back his charges ahead of their tricky 2019 Nations Cup qualifier against Liberia at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Mapeza urged the nation to put behind the indifferent campaign that the countrya��s flagship football team had at this yeara��s Africa Cup Nations tournament where theA� Willard Katsande-captained side managed to get a single point after posting a draw and two defeats.

a�?This is a new campaign. We need to forget about Gabon and concentrate on the job at hand. The boys need everyonea��s support. They need the backing of the nation against Liberia. Ita��s not going to be an easy match but come Sunday we should get the desired result,a�? said Mapeza who also doubles up as FC Platinum head coach.

Mapeza, who has temporarily taken over from Kalisto Pasuwa, is assisted by Bulawayo City head coach Mandla a�?Lulua�? Mpofu and Ngezi Platinum FC boss Tonderayi Ndiraya. How Mine goalkeepers coach Tembo Chuma completes the list of the Warriors technical setup.

Warriors talisman Khama Biliat is recovering from an injury and Mamelodi Sundowns were reluctant to release him fearing he may aggravate the injury.

Billiat missed Sundownsa�� loss to Esperance as the African champions went down 2-1 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

However, Knowledge Musona has given the squad a boost after arriving from his Belgium base at the weekend.

Musona helped his Belgian side KV Oostende to secure a place in next seasona��s Europa League before heading home to once again spearhead the Warriors bid for a place at the 2019 Nations Cup in Cameroon.

Following his cluba��s a�� Supersport a�� two all draw against TP Mazembe last Sunday,A� defender Onismor Bhasera who also did duty in Gabon will be expected to star in the Mapeza-mentored side.

Liberia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Congo Brazzaville are Zimbabwea��s other opponents in Group G.

Meanwhile, Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Week 13 fixtures have been shelved to pave way for the Warriors versus Liberia tie.