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Ishemunyoro Chingwere
WARRIORS coach Kallisto Pasuwa has declared his men ready to usher the country to a third consecutive African Nations Championships tournament.
Zimbabwe face Lesotho in a final qualifier, second leg tie at Setsoto Stadium this afternoon carrying a healthy 3-1 lead after a brace from Roderick Mutuma and a Danny Phiri effort won them the first leg at Barbourfields last weekend.
Kick off time is 3pm.
After a false start to preparations which saw the team refusing to train demanding their dues, the coaches have since managed to impress on the players to look at the bigger picture.
George Chigova, defenders Partson Jaure, Eric Chipeta, Milton Ncube and striker Simba Sithole all signed contracts with South African clubs on the back of impressive performances at the 2014 edition of the bi-annual tourney in Mzansi.
Speedy winger Kudakwashe Mahachi, who is now with South Africa’s Golden Arrows, strayed on French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco’s radar after a stellar performance at the tourney.
These tales should be an inspiration to locals who dream of playing in foreign lands.
Speaking from Maseru yesterday, Pasuwa said his players have put monetary issues on the back banner in pursuit of a bigger dream.
“It’s good for the players to qualify and showcase their talent at such tournaments which are usually frequented by scouts from bigger clubs they dream to play for,” he said.
“Moral is now very positive after we did our part as coaches in telling them that qualification will offer them a bigger platform to market their talents.
“Getting to qualify for Chan will also be a sign that we are one of the best leagues on the continent and it augurs well with our quest for development.” Pasuwa added that the Warriors’ preparations have been boosted by the timely recovery of key players who were carrying knocks from the first leg.
Defenders Teenage Hadebe and Blessing Moyo as well as Mutuma missed the better part of the week’s training program due to injuries.
They have all been declared fit for today’s clash.
Moyo, who was not convincing in the first leg, is however facing stern challenge for a place in the starting line-up after the recalling of Caps United’s Hardlife Zvirekwi.
Lesotho for their part, are not throwing in the towel and coach Seephephe Matete believes his charges have what it takes to turn the tables.
“We have not lost hope, football is a game of surprises and you never know what will happen until the final whistle,” Matete was quoted as saying by the Lesotho Times.
Online Reporter