Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Ramon Calata says there is need for a united front between the players and the fans if they are to beat a strong DRC side in a 2027 AFCON qualifier at the National Sports Stadium this evening.
Catala is bidding to become the first foreign coach to lead the Warriors to back-to-back wins in an AFCON qualifier in 37 years.
The last was Dutchman Clemens Westerhof who led them to victories over Eritrea and Senegal in 1999.
The Warriors are also bidding for their first back-to-back wins in AFCON qualifiers in a DECADE.
The last time they managed to do so was in March and June 2016 when they thrashed Eswatini 4-0 and Malawi 3-0.
Catala, who won his first match in impressive fashion on Thursday in Morocco, said unity between the team and the fans was crucial.
“With unity among everyone, the supporters, players, federation and the media, we can achieve results and ultimately qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, which is our main objective,” said Catala.
“We need to be one. We must support the team together as a country.”
The Spaniard expects the home crowd to give his charges an emotional lift against DRC.
“The emotional aspect is very important. I think the supporters are going to help us a lot and we believe we will have our opportunities.
“We respect their players and we know them well. They all play in big leagues, but that is on paper.
“On the pitch, it is 90 minutes and 11 against 11. We are going to try to be as good as them.”
Catala also wants his charges to carry the fighting spirit they showed against Sierra Leone into today’s encounter.
“What we took from that game was the spirit of the team and the players, that desire not to give up and to keep going until the end,” he said.
Captain Marvelous Nakamba wants to see 30,000 fans at the giant stadium.
“We are proud to represent the nation and we want the fans to come in their numbers and support the team,” said Nakamba.
“Whatever happens, it is a football match and it is 90 minutes.
“What we can promise is that we will give everything and fight for the country.
“The generation we have now wants to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations. It is good for the country and also good for us as players because we always want to participate in that tournament.
“We are taking it game by game. We have to believe in ourselves and give everything for the country.”
