Sweswe impressed on Warriors debut

LIZWE Sweswe who was Sunday Chidzambwa’s assistant coach for Monday’s Inauguration Cup against Namibia has attributed the victory to local coaches implementing modern day tactics to their playing style in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

Sweswe coaches Sheasham in the Zimbabwe Premiership.

Sweswe says he was surprised to witness the Warriors squad play with so much cohesion despite being assembled a day earlier.

The Warriors won the game 5-4 on penalties. The match had ended two all after regulation time.

Sweswe, making his debut appearance on national team duty, said the team played as a unit.

“We never had a training session but the way the boys just gelled shows the coaches out there are teaching the right things. The boys were sharp on what we told them to do tactically,” said Sweswe.

“We only had a verbal session with the team but the way they played was like a team that has been together for a while. Credit must go to the local coaches. They are doing a great job,” said Sweswe.

He added: “The performance from yesterday only shows me we are not too far from the rest of the countries that have been playing international football.

“For me personally, this was a great experience. To be associated with the national team on such a grand occasion is every gaffer’s dream.”

The challenge match was part of activities to celebrate the inauguration of President Mnangagwa as Head of State.

A group of locally-based players needed a penalty shootout lottery to brush aside the visitors, who had twice come from behind and forced the tie to a draw in front of an appreciative crowd.

The shootout was not without its share of drama as Zimbabwe twice had the woodwork to thank before bagging the trophy and the accompanying US$50 000 prize money.

Namibia got US$25 000 for their efforts as runners up.

Chidzambwa was encouraged by positive signs which showed the Warriors had a strong foundation to build on, among the domestic league players.

Zimbabwe have not played international football in almost two years and this was their first game since the lifting of the 17-month ban by Fifa recently. — @innocentskizoe