Online Reporter
Petros Kausiyo in LONDON, England
MARSHALL Munetsi believes Zimbabwe’s defeat to Nigeria may have stung, but the Warriors also got something they badly needed, a clearer picture of where they stand ahead of bigger assignments waiting down the road.
The Warriors slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Nigeria in the Unity Cup semi-final at The Valley Stadium on Tuesday night, a result that sent Kaitano Tembo’s men into the bronze medal play-off.
Femi Azeez struck in each half for the Super Eagles in front of a lively crowd dominated by Zimbabwean and Nigerian diaspora supporters.
Munetsi, skipper Marvelous Nakamba and Italian-based Jordan Zemura did not have the kind of influence and inspirational performances expected from the senior players, but the FC Paris midfielder was happy with what he saw on his return to the Warriors. He believes that the team, now under the guidance of interim coach Kaitano Tembo, can only perfect their act “with better understanding of how we play.”
Tembo, taking charge for the first time since the departure of Romanian Marian “Mario’’ Marinica, sent into battle a blend of youth and experience.
But they came second best to a Nigerian outfit, also laced with a bunch of rookies knocking on the doors of the regular Super Eagles squad. Munetsi reckoned that despite missing their star players, the West Africans still assembled a “decent squad’’ for the Unity Cup tournament for which Zimbabwe are making their bow this year.
“I think it was overall a decent game on our side and against a decent squad.
“Obviously, there are some new faces for me that I had not played with so it was a game to get to know each other and get a feel of where we are as a team, especially with the African qualifiers around the corner,’’ said Munetsi.
“I think we also had a decent opponent, although they did not bring their star players, but I think if you look at the squad that they had, the players are playing in decent teams, and I think we tried our best.”
“Personally, I was happy to be back and getting to know the guys, what I expect from them and what they expect from me.
“Overall, I think we can be proud of the effort we made. These are the games that we need to see if we are able to compete, especially with the games that are around.’’
Munetsi also emphasised that the Warriors would need to adhere to Tembo’s call on them to raise their levels of intensity in line with the demands of the international game.
“I think the coach has already spoken about the need for us to play with more intensity, and as you saw, we played in hot conditions.
“Some of the guys we have, have not played so much this season, and some of the guys are coming from injuries, so we didn’t get to play with intensity, but going into Saturday’s game and as we get to know each other’s strengths, we will be much better.”
Munetsi also praised the team’s spirit, especially the Warriors’ new boys, whom he saluted for showing a huge desire to win.
He also lauded ZIFA for ensuring that the Warriors now utilise every opportunity they can get to have a run out, arguing that this will ensure adequate preparedness by the time the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers start.
