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Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG
Passionate ululation and whistling that greet the Warriors each time their bus passes through the streets of Johannesburg have had a significant impact on the players.
They are here for a critical assignment, a double-header 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lesotho and South Africa.
The home game against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium is set for Friday.
The adoption of Orlando Stadium, perched in South Africa’s commercial capital, appears to have been the right move.
Here, there is always this feeling that they will be actually home, thanks to the support they are receiving from Zimbabweans based here.
Defender Munashe Garananga believes the huge Zimbabwean community in South Africa could come in handy when they face Lesotho on Friday and South Africa next Tuesday at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
“It is a good thing that we have a lot of Zimbabweans in South Africa,” Garananga said.
“We have seen them at the airport (when they welcomed the team on Monday), in the streets and everywhere.
“They are making us feel very much at home. Hopefully they will be behind us in these two games coming up. We are in South Africa, but we kind of feel at home because of a large Zimbabwean community in South Africa.”
The Belgium-based defender, who could earn a starting berth in coach Jairos Tapera’s line-up against Lesotho, said he was keen to play a key role in helping Zimbabwe win the upcoming two games.
“I am not gonna say the expectations are high for me or anything. I am just excited to be here.
“It’s always something that I have been looking forward to since I moved to Belgium.
“Just coming and representing the country in this crucial stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers is something I don’t take for granted.”
He added:
“I want to play a huge role, if picked, in helping my country win the matches. I am very excited to be here. Zimbabwe has a lot of quality, if you ask me.
“So, being chosen to be part of the team, really means a lot for me. I am keen to play my part and possibly write a good historical piece for my country.
“We are here to defend our flag and nothing else. That’s what we are all hoping for.”
He said everything was flowing smoothly in camp.
“So far, so good in the camp. Everything is going on well and everyone is motivated to give their all. We are gelling well as a team.
“Everyone is just keen to go and we are happy with the spirit in the camp. We are all united and it will be easy for us to stop our opponents.”
Online Reporter