Rahman challenges Warriors

The Warriors are certain to go into battle tomorrow without chief striker Knowledge Musona who has remained holed up at his base in Germany while veteran midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha is also out.

Musona is said to have indicated to the Warriors technical team yesterday that he is nursing an injury and could not play while Nengomasha’s club BidVets Wits have held onto the player because of a breakdown in communication with Zifa.

Skipper and goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini arrived yesterday afternoon but will have to be assessed by doctors before he can be given the green light to play.

Chances are that the inspirational goalkeeper will be given the nod and boost morale in the team.

During the training practice match against Harare City at Rufaro, Gumbo had Ariel Sibanda in goals with Vusa Nyoni playing on the leftback and Noel Kaseke on the right.

Esrom Nyandoro, who sat out during the training on Thursday, was in central defence alongside Carrington Nyadombo.

Denver Mukamba, Archie Gutu, Quincy Antipas and Khama Billiat were in midfield while Rodwell Chinyengetere and Takesure Chinyama were the forwards.

As the match progressed, Gumbo made changes as he brought in Abbas Amidu and Donald Ngoma.

Plymouth Argyle defender Onismor Bhasera was working with the fitness trainer on the sidelines while Premiership’s leading goal scorer Nelson Maziwisa is also in the squad.

Maziwisa scored in the Warriors’ 2-1 defeat to Zambia in an international friendly in Ndola last month.

Yesterday, Gumbo told a press conference that their preparations have not been rosy but he strongly believed that Zimbabwe could get a positive result against Angola.

“We have been encountering problems in getting all the players to camp since we started.

“For now we are dealing with what is there and we should not comment about the players we don’t have.

“At least now we have the players and have done nearly 90 percent of the work.

“The players’ response has been positive and they are all looking forward to the game on Sunday,” said Gumbo.

Gumbo never qualified for the African Nations Cup finals during his time as a player despite coming very close with the famous Dream Team.

But the former Eagles and Highlanders midfielder helped Zimbabwe qualify for their maiden Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004 when he was part of Sunday Chidzambwa’s staff.

Gumbo also had a hand in Zimbabwe’s qualification to the 2006 finals in Egypt when he presided in some of the earlier matches before he was fired by Zifa following a 3-0 defeat to Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier at the National Sports Stadium in 2004.

Now Gumbo is back for another dance with the Warriors and has conjured the fighting spirit in his troops.

“I have looked at the players in camp, especially the locally based guys and have seen that they have the commitment.

“During the previous assignments, we had fewer locally based players but now we have nine guys in the squad.

“Now we want players who are committed, players who have the hunger to do well for the team,” said Gumbo.

He has called on everyone to support the team at this juncture as Zimbabwe fights to take a healthy lead before the reverse fixture in Luanda, Angola, next month.

“As a nation this team is not for an individual but it’s for all Zimbabweans.

“People should come in their numbers to support the team,” he said.

Warriors assistant coach Peter Ndlovu also challenged his troops to give the nation something to cheer come tomorrow.

Ndlovu has led Zimbabwe to their only two appearances as a captain and is hopeful of going for a dance.

“It will be three times for me if we can make it again.

“As someone who has played there before, I am happy to be giving the boys the support I can.

“Now it’s up to them to showcase and build up on their profiles.

“At least in the squad we have Esrom Nyandoro, Tinashe and Kapini who have been there before and could be sharing their experiences with others,” said Ndlovu.

The former Coventry City winger Ndlovu said some people doubted the potential of the squad.

“I am surprised that some people tend to doubt our players.

“We have to concentrate on what is there and we should use the material that is there.

“The fact that Angola have had far better preparations should be a motivation factor for us,” he said.

Angola arrived shortly after midday yesterday after camping in South Africa for the past week.

The coach of the 2010 Nations Cup hosts, Gustavo Ferrin, said he expects a tough tie against their Cosafa counterparts.

“We came here to play a very important match but we believe that it can be very difficult.

“Our team has prepared the same way we have been preparing for the other matches

“We are going to look for the more appropriate ways so that we get the results we desire.

“The team is injury free,” said Ferrin.