Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira in Francistown, Botswana, [email protected]
WARRIORS coach Marian Marinica has reiterated his commitment to selecting players strictly on merit, as rising star Mongameli Tshuma continues to justify his inclusion with impressive performances on the field.
Tshuma, affectionately known as “Smaller,” has been the talk of Zimbabwean football in recent weeks, dominating the back pages and cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest prospects.
His stock rose even higher after he marked his Warriors debut with a goal in Zimbabwe’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Botswana’s national football team in the Mukuru Four-Nation Tournament.
Marinica was quick to stress that the youngster’s selection was no accident, but a direct result of his performances.
“I select players on merit,” said Marinica.
“I was extremely pleased we managed to keep a clean sheet, even though Botswana is a very tough team. We tried to give other players a chance and they took it with both hands.
“I think every time you come to the national team, it is something great. I am happy with all my players. But when a player comes in and scores on their debut, it’s even better.
“We are a team and we win and lose as a team. I am happy he has integrated into the team like all newcomers. Some may not have played, but I select all players on merit,” said Marinica.
The Warriors delivered a commanding performance at Obed Itani Stadium, putting the match beyond reach in the first-half with three goals. Tshuma’s strike on debut was among the highlights, underlining his growing importance in the squad.
Reflecting on the overall team display, Marinica praised his charges for their discipline and execution of the game plan.
“We managed to keep a clean sheet, even though Botswana is a tough team. We got the chances and the players took them fantastically well. On that point of view, I’m extremely pleased,” he said.
“Yes, you could say that we made it easy at some point, but Botswana is not an easy team. They have good players who are quite fast and they gave us different problems in the second-half. On the other hand, the players did an absolutely perfect job looking at the way we started in the first-half.”
The coach also highlighted the importance of rotating the squad and giving opportunities to players eager to prove themselves on the international stage.
“We try to give everyone a chance, and the other players take that opportunity with both hands. We had a game plan.
The game plan worked to perfection in the first-half,” he said.
Marinica further stressed the value of such competitive matches in building a strong national team capable of challenging for honours.
“I think we need these types of matches more often. It’s for the benefit of every country to expose players and give them the experience needed to win major competitions.”
The victory secured Zimbabwe a place in the final of the tournament, where they will face Zambia tomorrow, while Botswana will battle Malawi in the third-place play-off.
