Warriors get backing

INJURED Warriors skipper Danny Phiri has thrown his weight behind his colleagues to do better than the class of 2014 when they plunge into battle at the Chan finals in Rwanda later this month.
The Warriors begin their quest for a first ever continental crown on January 19 against neighbours Zambia before locking horns with West African giants Mali on January 23 and rounding off their group D fixtures with a date against Uganda on January 27.
Their preparations which were initially blighted by Zifa’s decision to fire coach Kallisto Pasuwa, whom they later reinstated, have continued to be dogged by injuries after Phiri was joined on the sidelines by keeper Takabva Mawaya, Hillary Bakacheza and Tafadzwa Kutinyu.
Defender Teenage Hadebe is the latest to pull out of camp due to family commitments.
However, the Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year, who was in camp prior to the New Year break, reckons the Warriors have what it takes to shine in his absence.
“I am obviously devastated at not being able to play in Rwanda because I was really looking forward to it,” said Phiri.
“But having said that, I have no doubt they will still do well in my absence.
“This is their time to make it big in their careers.
“If you look at it, you will realise I was almost a nonentity when I broke into the team but I seized my opportunity and did fairly well.
“The coach has a number of options at the heart of the midfield and I have no doubt players like Nqobizitha Masuku, Gerald Takwara and Tichaona Chipunza can do very well if given the opportunity,” said Phiri whose captaincy has now been taken over by Caps United utility player, Hardlife Zvirekwi.
Phiri has done a sterling job as a shield for the Warriors back four and his absence could jeopardize the team’s ball retention ability in midfield.
His sentiments were echoed by hero of the class of 2014, goalkeeper George Chigova who believes Pasuwa’s men have the pedigree to go all the way but warned them to guard against complacency if they are to make an impression.
Chigova, who starred in the previous campaign with four clean sheets – three in the group stages against Morocco, Uganda and Burkina Faso plus another one in the semi finals against eventual tournament winners Libya – said the Warriors will be under the microscope.
“Obviously they will be under pressure this time around and teams will come targeting us,” said the Polokwane City net minder.
“They should not underestimate opponents and should also shake off the celebratory hangover from our previous success but fight hard to defend our national pride.
“Last time, we built our success on a strong defence and they should do exactly the same thing because the best way to win a tournament is to build from the back and to do that you need a very strong defence like the one we had back then.
“I recently learnt with regret that Danny (Phiri) is no longer travelling and now the team has to dig very deep to replace his contribution because if you look at the previous tourney you will realise that he was one of our main man in terms of protecting the back four.
“But I know they have a good coach with a lot of experience so I foresee them going all the way to the finals,” said Chigova.
He worked with Pasuwa during his days at Dynamos before joining hands at the Warriors where Pasuwa was an assistant to Ian Gorowa.