adminRobson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
THE Warriors’ qualification for the 2017 Nations Cup finals, an isolated success story in a wreckage of failure in Southern Africa, has caught the imagination of some of the region’s most celebrated football personalities who are hailing the country’s landmark triumph. Callisto Pasuwa and his men booked their place in Gabon with a game to spare after an unbeaten run in a qualifying campaign in which they won three and drew two of their group games.
With regional heavyweights, Zambia and South Africa, failing to make the trip to Gabon, the Warriors’ success has provided the rainbow of hope, in the cloud of gloom, which is covering Southern African football.
Robert Marawa, who presents a sports show on South Africa’s Metro FM and dominates the Rainbow Nation’s football coverage on television, described the Warriors’ triumph as “huge and beautiful” on Twitter.
“Today I am Zimbabwean!!!! Congratulations my neighbours!! This is huge!! Beautiful football displayed!!!” he said on his Twitter account.
That post triggered a host of replies with virtually everyone hailing the Warriors for their success story.
“I hear people talking about the golden generation of Belgium, yesterday I had a pleasure to see golden generation of Zimbabwe,” said a Twitter user who goes by the handle, @ianrehomaku, in response to Marawa’s post.
Avanda Mkomtwana, a South African football fan, even wished that the current Warriors squad replaced his Bafana Bafana team.
“Wish that was our squad,” he tweeted.
And here are some of the other tweets:
Mikhuva Ntshani @MikhuvaNtshani
“Zimbabwe play entertaining soccer.”
Dikgang Mpho
“Most players selected on the Zim team are on merit compared to Bafana, quality wise we can match them but our coach is (bad).”
@Pangelabongs
“I love how Zim is playing.”
Lesibe Seabi
“Wow Zim’s line up is really mouth-watering. Pity our @BafanaBafana don’t do it with passion – Fact!!”
@PerWiseman
“Some parents are blessed Robie (marawa), imagine my young boy playing football as Khama Billiat, would pinch myself.”
Marawa also interviewed Zimbabwe interim cricket coach, Makhaya Ntini, on his radio show, where the former Proteas’ fast bowler poured out his heart and said that the game of cricket in South Africa was run by the elite and had few opportunities for people like him.
Ntini will take charge of his first game when Zimbabwe host india in the first ODI at Harare Sports Club this morning.
Here are some of the views, expressed on Twitter, by those who heard that moving interview.
Xolani Sibusiso Mbuli
“Touching interview @METROFMSA @robertmaraw @MakhayaNtini, what are legend I still feel @OfficialCSA need to honour Makhaya Ntini.”
Nonkulelo Ndlazi
“Zimbabwe as a country has done what @OfficialCSA failed to do – that is honour the legend #MakhayaNtini while he’s still alive! @robertmarawa put some respect on that name!”
Phelelani Nyambalisa
“I’ll have a hard time supporting Proteas after Ntini’s appointment as Zim national coach. Zimbabwe just won most SA support.”
Lwando Pasta-LJ Jevu
“Sad part about @MakhayaNtini story is that he suffered in silence while CSA had a black CEO AND President. What a shame.”
John Mashukushe
“We only honour our legends once they’ve fallen.”
Ntabiseng Mokothu
“Really important issues raised with #MakhayaNtini, such a great role model and always speaking his mind. Truly our African pride.”
Mkontho weSizwe
“Zimbabwe vs Proteas, I’m definitely supporting Zimbabwe that day @robertmarawa.”
Talent Gavi Musosi
“Us Zimbabwean cricket fans, we are really happy to see Ntini as our coach. We wish him the best in our next match against India.”
Manqoba Malupe
“You can’t put a good man down, that’s what is happening to Makhaya Ntini he is really good at what he does.”
Online Reporter