Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
THERE is a strong belief amongst Zimbabwean soccer fans that the Warriors will finally break the jinx and progress to the knockout stage at next year’s African Cup of Nations finals, after the national team was handed what on paper looks like a fair draw in Cameroon on Tuesday night.
Zimbabwe are in Group B and will play 2019 finalists Senegal, Guinea and Malawi.
The top two teams from the six groups will automatically qualify for the last 16, with the other four slots reserved for the best third placed teams.
Zimbabwe are yet to progress into the knockout stage in four attempts – 2004, 2006, 2017 and 2019.
However, fans have a strong feeling a star studded Warriors side comprising of the likes of Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Tino Kadewere (Olympic Lyon), Marshall Munetsi (Reims), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs) and skipper Knowledge Musona can finally beat the curse and progress to the last 16.
The Warriors will open their quest with a date against Senegal on January 10, before facing Malawi four days later.
They complete their group campaign against Guinea on January 18.
Responding to a Facebook post by Warriors’ star striker, Kadewere, most fans threw their weight behind the national team while some have reservations on coach Zdravko Logarusic’s capacity to guide the team into the knockout stage.
Some fans have urged the football mother body ZIFA to put their house in order and adequately prepare the national team for the finals.
“I think we got a fair draw let’s target to beat Senegal and take control of the group. With better preparations we can go far,” said Warriors super fan, Chris “Romario” Musekiwa.
Reaz Raymond Martin posted: “The world will have the opportunity to witness our deadly squad!”
Zimbabwe have played Senegal twice at the AFCON finals, in 2006 and 2017, losing by an identical 0-2 score line on both occasions.
“Senegal is our only problem in that group, it’s our time to shine guys, go Warriors go,” said Lyndah Manyika.
“With good preparations, we can easily make it out of the group stages,” wrote Marve Ganuka.
Clement Ferenenga is tipping the Warriors to beat Senegal.
“This time we need to teach Senegal a lesson,” he said.
Blessing Zambara said: “Senegal may be a tough opponent but we will sail through. Warriors we got this!”
With one win in 12 outings as Warriors coach, not many still have faith Logarusic and some fans have called on ZIFA to replace the Croat gaffer with a local coach ahead of the finals.
Norman Mapeza, Kalisto Pasuwa and Charles Mhlauri are some of the names that have been touted.
“What of the technical strategy? Is Loga a real strategist? We have read his footprints with our Warriors. Ummm I think let’s invest in our local talent, the Mbwandos, the Mhlauris, the Pasuwas or even the Mutasas (Lloyd) and other great footballers,” said Givemore Tauzeni.
Jorum Chirasha said: “With the amount of talent there, we should come out second in the group…but the problem is Zimbabwe is being coached by another Arteta (Mikel).”
Arsenal coach, Arteta, has also come under immense pressure for Gunners fans in England after losing the opening Premier League match against newly promoted Brentford last weekend.
Some fans like Chriswell Manhando have no faith in the current Felton Kamambo-led ZIFA board.
“It’s obvious that Guinea and Senegal will go through. Zimbabwe and Malawi are the points donors. If the truth be told Zim has talent but Zifa is not serious about football,” he said.
Staunch CAPS United supporter, Francis Kaowa, is however tipping Lyon forward Kadewere for the tournament’s Golden Boot!
“Tino top goal scorer Famba Tino Famba,” he wrote.
Online Reporter