adminAugustine Hwata Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S opponents in the dead rubber 2014 World Cup qualifier, Mozambique, arrived in the country yesterday with their coach Joao Chissano declaring they are here to try and register a victory. The two sides clash in a Group G, World Cup African Zone qualifiers, at Rufaro on Sunday with the hosts aiming for a win to finish third in the pool.
Mozambique have never won against Zimbabwe away from Maputo.
Just like the Warriors, who are under Ian Gorowa who took over from expatriate coach Klaus Dieter Pagels, Chissano took over from Gert Engelsm recently.
The 43-year old, who served as an assistant to Engels and has played as a defender for Costa Do Sol, is buoyed after his side qualified for the African Nations Championships after overcoming favourites Angola in Benguela.
“It’s in the past that we have never won away against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe are playing at home and I think the Warriors have better chances than us of doing well in this game because of they are home.
“But we will try to take the game to them and play a very good game,” said Chissano.
Chissano said he is using the World Cup qualifier to start his preparations for the CHAN finals in South Africa next year.
“We are here to enjoy ourselves and I think we are in very good spirits and shape.
“Our players are more confident after the good result in Angola and that’s why we hope to get a good result against Zimbabwe,” he said.
Chissano and his troops arrived in Harare yesterday from South Africa where they had set up a training camp and then held a training session at Rufaro later in the day.
The Warriors were regrouping in camp last night and coach Gorowa is expected to hold his first full training session this morning.
Other players, including Zimbabwe international Willard Katsande, trained yesterday.
A few players were at the morning training session while CAPS United’s Hardlife Zvirekwi, Tafadzwa Dube and Dominic Chungwa featured for their side’s league match against Tripple B yesterday. Gorowa’s plans to have an uninterrupted camp hit a brickwall after the domestic Premiership fixtured mid-week matches and players reported for duty at their clubs.
After the morning training session, Gorowa is expected to present his team to the Zifa board around midday.
Zifa communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela, said Zifa president Cuthbert Dube will present his pledge to the Warriors for winning the ticket to the CHAN finals next year.
“The Zifa president will present a package with incentives for the Warriors while a local businessman Farai Jere is also going to make his pledge in support of the national team.
Meanwhile, Safa have confirmed that the Bafana Bafana friendly international against Zimbabwe will be staged at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Safa had delayed announcing the venue for the match after no local authority took up the offer to host the tie.
In a statement yesterday, Safa said the game will kick-off at 8:30pm and tickets for the game have already gone on sale to the public.
“I am happy that the match will take place at one of the country’s home of soccer and playing Zimbabwe always brings the best out of my players,” said coach Bafana Bafana Gordon Igesund.
Gorowa has not yet announced his final squad for the South Africa game.
Provisional Warriors Squad for South Africa
Washington Arubi (Pretoria University), Munyaradzi Diya (Highlanders), Khama Billiart, Cuthbert Malajila (Mamelodi Sundowns), Eusebio Manwere, Onismor Bhasera, Denver Mukamba, Carrington Nyadombo (Amazulu), Kingstone Nkatha, Knowledge Musona, (Kaizer Chiefs), Willard Katsande, Oscar Machapa (Dynamos), Felix Chindungwe (Chicken Inn).
Online Reporter