Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Warriors have been challenged to uplift the national flag with dignity when they take on some of the best from the continent at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations show-piece, which bursts into life in Morocco on December 21.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure scheduled for Tuesday, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe, said the Government and people of Zimbabwe were solidly behind the team in the quest for continental football glory.
The Warriors, under Romanian coach Marian “Mario” Marinica are in high spirits ahead of the tournament which pits 24 countries from across the continent.
Sanyatwe believes it is possible for the Warriors to bring back home good news from the tourney at which they will be making their sixth appearance.
More importantly, the Minister also threw his weight behind Marinica and his side.
He said the coach and the players needed full backing and rallied the nation to unite behind the AFCON 2025 cause.
“I extend, in my special way, my appreciation to our head coach, Marian Mario Marinica,” Sanyatwe said.
The Minister noted with regret divisions as some people have been “married to social media platforms, criticising for the purpose of criticising”, instead of rendering support to the new coach.
“Here is the coach. Your (Marinica’s) experience, tactical clarity, and disciplined approach bring renewed optimism as we prepare for Africa.
“We are confident that you and your technical team will guide us in the right direction. You guide the Warriors with diligence and a path of ambition,” said Sanyatwe.
Marinica has been tasked with breaking the group stage jinx for the first time. The Warriors have failed to progress to the knock-out stages on their five previous appearances.
They were drawn in Group B along with Southern African rivals Angola and South Africa and continental heavyweights Egypt.
Marinica has intensified the team’s preparations after trimming the squad down to the final 28 travelling men announced by ZIFA just before the CAF deadline on Thursday.
The squad sparked intense debate, especially on the omission of injured vice-captain Marshall Munetsi.
Munetsi suffered a calf injury while on club duties with Wolverhampton Wanderers in an English Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.
His Wolves manager was the first to reveal that Munetsi would need at least six weeks to recover.
Wolves’ medical crew have in their communication with ZIFA also stressed that Munetsi would not be ready for a quick return to action, even warning against the risk of rushing the 29-year-old back.
But the midfielder has contradicted the club’s position claiming that he is 100 percent fit and seemed to angle his frustration for being left out by Marinica to the ZIFA administration.
Wolves face Arsenal in a late match tonight, and it remains to be seen if Munetsi will feature in the game following his claims that he is fully fit.
Versatile defender Jordan Zemura was another injury casualty, which bowled him out of selection as did Highlanders’ Andrew Mbeba and the Scottland pair of Walter Musona and Tymon Machope.
But on a brighter side, Luton Town midfielder Marvellous Nakamba is set to lead the side in the campaign.
Despite the absence of his vice-captain, Nakamba will not be short of experienced hands around him.
He had players such as former captain Knowledge Musona, Divine Lunga, Teenage Hadebe, Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Brendan Galloway and Godknows Murwira, who are all seasoned.
The Warriors also have exciting prospects in Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Prosper Padera, Andy Rinomhota, Bill Antonio and Macauley Bonne.
Sanyatwe underscored the Warriors’ significance to the nation.
“To our players, you are the pride of our nation. You represent the hopes of millions of Zimbabweans,” said Sanyatwe.
“Plus, but not minus 16 million. You carry the Zimbabwean flag. You must stand tall and raise the flag high, even to greater heights. Time will be at your disposal. You must raise the hope of our identity and our dreams.
“Zimbabweans are dreaming for you to bring back results from Morocco. We salute you, especially the captain, Marvellous Nakamba, whose humility and leadership set a powerful example.
“We appreciate senior players such as Knowledge Musona and Marshall Munetsi, whose dedication and professionalism continue to inspire this great nation of Zimbabwe. As you prepare for Morocco, remember that you are not alone.
“You go with the full weight of our support as a country. Our prayers will also be with you. Play with dignity, passion and courage.
“You have to represent Zimbabwe with honour in every match and in every moment. And remember, each minute, each hour is an artful moment for learning,” said Sanyatwe.
The AFCON 2025 tournament will run from December 21 to January 18, across nine stadiums dotted in six host cities in Morocco.
The Warriors will begin their campaign against Egypt on December 22 at the 45 000-seater Grand Stade d’Agadir in the coastal city of Agadir.
Angola will be next in line on Boxing Day at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech, which is about 250 km from Agadir.
Zimbabwe’s final Group B match will be the Battle of the Limpopo Derby against South Africa on December 29, also at Grand Stade de Marrakech.
“We know that our AFCON group includes formidable opponents such as Egypt, Angola, and South Africa, but Zimbabwe has never feared any competition of whatever nature,” Sanyatwe said.
“We as a nation, we are a nation that rises under pressure, that grows stronger in any adversity, and that lives deeply in its potential. Our Warriors carry the spirit of a people who do not retreat from any challenges.”
