Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS captain Marvelous Nakamba and coach Ramon Catala have rallied Zimbabweans to pack the National Sports Stadium and drive the team in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo tomorrow.
Zimbabwe head into the clash buoyed by a 3-2 win over Sierra Leone in their opening qualifier in Morocco and will now look to make home advantage count.
For Nakamba, playing in front of their own supporters provides extra motivation as the Warriors seek to maintain their positive start.
“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 Warriors skipper said qualification for the continental showpiece remains the ultimate target.
“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.”
Catala echoed Nakamba’s call, saying unity between the team and its supporters could be crucial throughout the campaign.
“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 tomorrow’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.
