admin
Bruce Chikuni in PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa
THE Warriors will be without their main attacking weapon, speed merchant Michael Tapera, in their final COSAFA Cup Group B match here today.
The match starts at midday.
Manica Diamonds star has been the Warriors standout player with his pace down the wing and goals in each of the two matches the team have played.
Tapera has two goals, in as many matches, including probably the goal of the tournament so far when his powerful run took him past two defenders before he powered the ball home.
He is unavailable today because of suspension after picking two yellow cards.
The Warriors have six points but they could be caught by both Kenya and Comoros if they lose today’s match and the others win.
“I think people are starting to appreciate him (Michael Tapera) more because at first some didn’t understand why I picked him,” said coach Jairos Tapera.
“He has shown what he can do and I’m more than happy with how he has managed to win the hearts of many and I would have loved to have him playing against Kenya but his setback will be an opportunity to someone.
“We also have some injury worries.
“Joey Phuthi and Malvin Hativagoni are nursing minor injuries and their availability depends on the information that we are going to get from our medical team.” Bulawayo Chiefs forward, Never Rauzhi is likely going to be given his first start today as he was impressive at the last training session
ahead of this match.
Tapera feels his troops are showing why they belong in the region’s heavyweight category following their back-to-back wins against the Comoros and Zambia.
“I’m not surprised with how these boys have been doing, I have been watching our Castle Lager Premiership matches a lot and it was easy to pick these players.
“When the opportunity to take the boys to this tournament came, I know what was needed and I saw it as an opportunity to give these boys a chance and their reaction on the field of play as been exactly what I expected.
“They are committed and I also feel that we need to introduce new faces, players who have not seen much action in this competition.
“Everyone deserves a chance to play at this level and that’s why I’m tempted to make those changes,” said Tapera.
Online Reporter