Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza [email protected]
ZIMBABWE international defender Shane Maroodza has blamed costly lapses in concentration for the Warriors’ 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup played at The Valley in London on Tuesday.
The result marked a difficult start for interim head coach Kaitano Tembo, with the Warriors falling short despite showing moments of promise during the match.
Speaking after the game, Maroodza admitted that the team had opportunities but failed to make the most of them.
“If I am honest, I think we had our moments. We could have probably done better on the attacking front, and two lapses in concentration really gave them the goals.
“But I think we tried, obviously, there were a lot of fans here, so we were doing it for them. We were just unfortunate to lose the way we did, but we have to focus on the next game. That’s all I can say, we tried.”
Maroodza said while the result was disappointing, the team showed effort and commitment, especially in front of a strong turnout of supporters.
When asked to assess his own performance, the defender felt he had done his part both defensively and going forward.
“I think I did well. Defensively, I think I was doing my job, and going forward, I tried to help out with forward passes and stuff. So yeah, I think I did okay. I will leave that to you guys to decide.”
On his place in the national team and whether he has done enough to secure a starting role, Maroodza made it clear that selection decisions are beyond his control.
“That’s a controversial question. Look, it’s up to the coach and the people above who pick the squad. They decide who plays. So all I will do is every time I get on, I will try my hardest to perform, and hopefully I can keep starting.”
Despite the setback, the Warriors are now turning their attention to the next match, where they will face either Jamaica or India in the third-place play-off.
Maroodza said the team would review their performance and look to correct their mistakes.
“I think as a group, including the coaching staff, we will watch the game back and analyse it tomorrow. I can’t pinpoint exactly because I was in the game, but I will probably have an analysis to fix that.”
