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Curtworth Masango
RECENTLY-APPOINTED Warriors goalkeepers coach Pernell Mckop says he is always available to serve the nation whenever he is given the call.
Mckop has received praise for, among other things, bringing back veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi to solve the goalkeeping crisis that has recently devoured the Warriors.
Arubi did not concede in both matches against Kenya and Cameroon and is treated as a short-term solution.
Brentford’s Marley Tavaziwa is tipped to take the reins as the country’s number one in the future and has been kept as an understudy.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport, Mckop said he is honoured to be part of the Warriors technical team.
“I’ve always been available for my national team and to be given the opportunity to be a part of the setup again is always an honour and a humbling experience to serve.
“I am currently with Stellenbosch FC in the South African Premier League and my Club are delighted that I am part of the national team set up.
“They’ve always known of my desire to work at the highest level,” he said.
Mckop said they opted to call Arubi because of his experience and he brought stability.
“He’s our most experienced goalkeeper still playing at a high level and his age is not an issue. He remains a professional who is looking after himself well. We don’t have anyone else with his experience.
Mckop believes that going into the next fixtures they are likely to continue with Arubi in goal as he proved that he can arrange his defence well.
In October Zimbabwe will face Namibia in back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
“And going forward that’s a decision that the technical team has to make.
“Arubi has done very well in giving us stability, calm and control, and kept two clean sheets but that’s always a team effort as in the case of the two matches played, because in both games there were no shots on target from the opposition.
“But the stability and control from Washington’s experience was plain to see,” he said.
Online Reporter