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Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE coach Ian Gorowa has sacrificed his Christmas holiday this year, opting to remain in Harare to oversee his team’s preparations for the African Nations Championships rather than going to his base in South Africa to be with his family.After more than a week of intensive training that got off to a false start, the Warriors took a deserved but short festive holiday break yesterday to briefly join their families before they resume their preparations for the Chan finals in South Africa.
Despite facing some logistical glitches on the opening two days of their camp, including lack of food and transport, the Warriors put their troubles behind them to begin gearing up for their third successive Chan appearance when the competition that is reserved for players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues, gets under way in Cape Town on January 11.
Coach Gorowa said yesterday he had called off an afternoon session to give the players a two-day break for the Christmas holiday but expects them to return into camp on Boxing Day.
There is no such luxury, however, for Gorowa whose base is in Johannesburg where his family is and the coach revealed that some of his players, who would have had to travel long distances to be with their families, have opted to remain in camp.
But, as the Warriors trooped out to join their families yesterday, Gorowa heaped praise on the squad he has had in camp, saluting them for their commitment to duty.
“We have given the players a two-day break and we will resume camp on the 26th. They have to go out and have Christmas with their families but some of these players have resolved to stay in camp as they would have needed to travel long distances.
“I am also remaining in camp with them,’’ Gorowa said.
It is the work ethic of this bunch of homegrown talent that has charmed Gorowa and the former Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns coach who saluted his charges for remaining focused on their mission.
“They have been working very hard and everybody has been committed. I must say I am very happy with the progress the players have made since we started our camp and the commitment they have shown has made my job easier.
“I am proud of the way these guys have applied themselves and as coach you cannot ask for more when you have a bunch of players that are so committed, that are willing to listen, that are willing to learn’’.
Gorowa said he had also implored on his charges to remain disciplined while merry-making during their short holiday.
“We have said yes they should go out and enjoy but when we resume camp, they will be tested again to see who has been naughty and things like that … it is a precautionary measure’’.
The Warriors’ move to re-test their players when they resume camp also comes against the background the strictness with which Fifa and the Confederation of African Football now attach to issues of doping and general medical status of players before and during such tournaments like Chan.
Gorowa’s men are also likely to get a day off on New Year’s eve but by then the former Zimbabwe international striker would have named his final 23 in time for the Caf deadline of January 1.
The 41-year-old coach has already hinted that he now has his final squad in mind but would leave it until just a few days before the Caf deadline to name his side, a move which has left competition for places very intense.
Gorowa is seeking to better the Chan record of his predecessors Sunday Chidzambwa and Madinda Ndlovu and guide the Warriors beyond the round robin phase.
Online Reporter