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WARRIORS coach Michael Nees wants Zimbabwe to get their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers to an ideal start when they face Kenya at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda this afternoon.
The match kicks-off at 3pm local time.
Nees, who will be in charge of the Warriors for the first time has already been charmed by his band of Warriors.
Yesterday he spoke glowingly of his men, who had their last training session at the match venue late in the afternoon.
He had the full complement of the team for the first time on Wednesday when the remaining four players — defenders Jordan Zemura and Munashe Garan’anga, midfielder Andy Rinomhota and goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva — joined in.
The German coach who has previously taken charge of Seychelles revealed his happiness with what he has seen on the training ground so far.
“Yesterday (on Wednesday), we had a full squad and we had a very good session and everything is on track so far.
“We can’t complain about everything from the hotel and transport though it is difficult because of the traffic but we are having a police escort so we only need 20 minutes to the training pitch,” Nees said.
He also spoke about the need for the Warriors to be in the right frame of mind for the start of this crucial campaign.
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“We have to change a bit of our mentality. It’s always difficult with teams when you have your local best players who are used to different styles of play.
“We just have to adjust a little bit and make sure we have the same psychological approach that is very important with a mix of local and outside players.
“But when you have a group of players you will have to determine who will be on the pitch but I can tell you everybody can make an impact.
“Everyone has been giving their best in the field, showing great attitude and it will be difficult to separate but only 11 can start.
“But we need everybody as anything can happen in the game so we need everyone in the course of the two games.
“We have players who have more experience as well as the youthful but they will have to complement each other such that they can change the game.”
Nees looks likely to stick to the tried and tested with veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi looking likely to start between the sticks while centre-back Teenage Hadebe could be dropped.
The 57-year-old coach, also appears to have been convinced that he can build his side around the experienced players include Khama Billiat and the Yadah Stars talisman is almost certain to start.
From the players who are plying their trade in the domestic Premiership, Billiat looks set to be joined by CAPS United skipper Godknows Murwira and Simba Bhora captain Walter Musona.
Musona could go onto battle in a buoyant mood after having been unveiled yesterday as the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Player of the Month for August.
The Simba Bhora forward has been instrumental in the Shamva side’s rise to the summit of the Premiership log standings where they now have a four-point cushion ahead of second-placed FC Platinum.
Murwira, the captain of the home-based Warriors has also been in good form at CAPS United, who are currently enjoying a decent run in the league.
After doing business with the Harambee Stars today, the Warriors will remain in Kampala as they must return to the same venue to host Cameroon in the Group J Match-Day Two round of fixtures next Tuesday.
Warriors Probable XI
Washington Arubi, Godknows Murwira, Jordan Zemura, Munashe Garan’anga, Gerald Takwara, Marshal Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Khama Billiat, Walter Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Prince Dube
Online Reporter