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THE Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa endorsed Warriors coach Kallisto Pasuwa before urging skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi to have a heart of a lion as the country’s flagship team was sent off to the Chan finals in grand style on Friday night. It was a colourful event, befitting for the gallant Warriors who are making a fourth consecutive appearance at the biennial continental tournament for players plying their trade in their local leagues.
Newfound Warriors benefactor Wicknell Chivhayo donated $20 000, Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa chipped in with $10 000 for the players’ upkeep in Rwanda and the players, led by their cheerleaders Lawrence Mhlanga and Rodreck Mutuma, responded with some powerful dressing room songs.
Speaking on behalf of President Mugabe, Cde Mnangagwa — who briefly assumed the role of Warriors technical advisor — also took his time to impart some few tips to the Warriors defensive players.
The Acting President, who has challenged the Warriors to bring home the Chan trophy, got into tactical nitty-gritty of the game, much to the amazement of the scores of football’s who is who present at the ceremony.
“We look forward to innovation and creativity in midfield, precision in the strike force and of course water tight defence at the back . . . durawall. Go and enjoy, bring jubilation to the nation, fight as a disciplined team, a united team. Luck comes after you have put in hard work.
“Kallisto Pasuwa, let me assure you, we have great belief in you. We as Government believe the team is up to the challenge,” said the Acting President.
This was a huge endorsement for Pasuwa, who has had a hide and seek engagement with his employers over a permanent contract.
He is aware the expectations of the nation continue to heighten by each passing day as the Warriors gear for their opening Group D match against Zambia in a Trans-Zambezi Derby on Tuesday.
“To have a man from the highest offices gracing this occasion humbles me. It is very rare that you have the Acting President devoting his time to such events.
“The pressure is upon us now to deliver,” Pasuwa said, just before rushing to the Airport to catch the 2AM flight yesterday.
Online Reporter