adminTakudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
SABLES coach Cyprian Mandenge says his men will throw their bodies on the line despite poor preparations in the make-or-break final showdown against Namibia tomorrow.
The Sables are expected to leave the country today for Namibia for their decider against the hosts in a game that will decide who wins the Africa Cup 1A qualifiers.
Mandenge, who this week lamented his team’s poor preparations ahead of a battle against the World Cup-bound Namibians, said he remained confident of a positive result.
The team had their last training session at Old Hararians yesterday with Kingsley Lang sitting out due to suspected torn quadriceps. Sanele Sibanda was also battling an ankle injury.
“The Namibians should expect a tough game as we have prepared for it and I hope we are going to do well,” said Mandenge.
“The guys have been working hard and they are putting their bodies on the line for the country and for the love of the game.”
Mandenge was not pleased with the way the preparations had gone with the team getting just a week in camp but believe national pride will drive them to get the win they want.
“We started slowly but, in terms of our preparations, we are getting better by each day,” he said.
“Namibia are a good side but we are not going to look into their rankings much but we just want to go there and play our normal game.
“They have a strong side since they are preparing for the World Cup but we will give them a good run.
“The injuries have come as a big blow for us but we hope the players will recover and participate in the game.”
Sables Squad
Denford Mutamangira (Captain), Royal Mwale, Tatenda Murwira, Fortune Chipendo, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Charles Jiji, Kingsley Lang, Tichafara Makwanya, Riaan O’Neil, Andrew Rose, Boyd Rouse, Sanile Sibanda, Lenience Tambwera, Biselele Tshamala, Tatenda Karuru, Hilton Mudariki, Gerald Sibanda, Brian Makamure, Kyle de Beer, Steven Hunduza, Tangai Nemadire, Lucky Sithole.
Online Reporter