Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Michael Nees has stood his ground in the face of fierce debate over his 24-man squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers.
The gaffer defended his choices, quoting a German politician .
“I am here not to make the most popular decisions, but to make the best possible decisions,” Nees said after Thursday last week’s squad announcement. If those decisions become popular, well, then I know I’m on the right way. But that quote is not from me, it’s actually from a certain German politician, and I found it suitable also as a coach, especially as a national team coach, because you will never make it right for everybody.”
Zimbabwe face Benin in Cote d’Ivoire on September 5 before hosting Rwanda in Johannesburg four days later.
Divided opinion has greeted the squad, with praise for the continuity in Nees’ selections, but sharp criticism over certain omissions.
Regulars like Marshall Munetsi, who is suspended for the Benin clash, Washington Arubi, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garan’anga, Jordan Zemura and Walter Musona all kept their places.
But questions swirl around the inclusion of Marvelous Nakamba, who has barely played club football in a long layoff, and the absence of red-hot local scorers Washington Navaya (TelOne) and Tymon Machope (Scottland).
Nees has freshened the side with new names, calling up Germany-based Jonah Fabisch, England-based Sean Fusire, Finland-based Prosper Padera and South Africa-based striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya.
He explained some of the tight calls.
“It’s very hard to select a team, but all the decisions are made with good intentions. Some players might be doing well at their clubs, but we also have to analyse if they can make the squad better,” he said.
Machope, Navaya and Simba Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi are still in Nees’ plans, while he has been monitoring Junior Makunike, who impressed at the COSAFA Championship.
“It was a close call between Machope and Ngwenya, but Ngwenya is young; he is only 22, and was among the top scorers before he left FC Platinum for Amazulu,” said Nees.
“The boy has also been scoring in South Africa. On the other hand, Machope is also good; he has got the presence, so it was a close call between the two. Machope, just like some other players, is still in the plans. I am urging those who have not been called up not to lose hope. They should keep pushing and prove to the coaches they can add more value to the national team.”
Nees works with a pool of about 35 players as he shapes a final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
“I will be watching a lot of games, some players will drop form, some will pick up form. Others might get injured, so it’s not about the players who have been announced but those who will turn up fit for camp,” he said.
The coach pointed to the COSAFA Cup as a platform that unearthed talent now in the fold.
Goalkeeper Martin Mapisa, Padera and Ngwenya all earned their senior call-ups from that tournament. Nees’ relationship with Wolves forward Tawanda Chirewa has often come under scrutiny, but he insists he has been in constant touch with the youngster.
“Chirewa is a very talented, gifted player, which makes him a darling of the crowd,” he said. “He has had two loans, which didn’t work out the way he wanted. It happens in a career and it’s actually good it’s happening to him at a young age. This will make him stronger.
“He was supposed to come in June for the two friendlies against Burkina Faso and Niger, but he still had a little bit of a struggle with a hamstring. I am happy he is back; he’s one of our players, and let’s see how he is, how he feels, but he gives us that element.”
Nees is also excited by the availability of Greece-based striker Tino Kadewere, who he says had a strong pre-season.
He defended Nakamba’s inclusion despite concerns over his fitness.
“He played very well in June, he has also had a good preseason with his club and I am sure he can bring quality,” he said.
“Marvelous Nakamba might not be one hundred percent, but he also had a good pre-season at a high level. We need his experience. Remember, Munetsi is suspended for the Benin game, Andy Rinomhota has to sort out his issues, so we can’t afford to have a midfield combination of rookies.”
