Warriors give credit to God

Harare Bureau
WARRIORS vice-captain Masimba Mambare believes they have been powered by divine power and hard work to secure a place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Championships where they have suddenly emerged as the dark horses to win the tournament.Zimbabwe beat Mali 2-1 in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Cape Town and will tomorrow face Libya in a semi-final tie in Bloemfontein.
Mambare scored Zimbabwe’s only goal during the group stages as they secured victory over Burkina Faso.

“I am pleased to say that everyone is in good shape and looking forward to another fight in the semis,” Mambare said yesterday.
“I think we have a lot that has been driving us to play well and this includes the Zimbabweans living this side (in South Africa) because they have created an accommodative atmosphere and we feel at home.

“And, above all, God has been our major source of strength and confidence but we still appreciate the support from the fans and we will bank on them until the end.”

A victory for Zimbabwe over Libya at Free State Stadium will see them playing either Nigeria or Ghana in the final in Cape Town on Sunday while a defeat will see the Warriors fighting for third-place on Saturday.

Zimbabwe are the only remaining team from Southern African and belief has been growing inside the team that they can lift the title.
Ian Gorowa’s men have based their success on a solid defensive record where they have conceded just once in four matches.

And the Zimbabwe coach yesterday said he hopes they will continue to play as a solid unit.
“We obviously play as a team, we try and do our best around the defence,” said Gorowa.

“If you don’t concede goals, then you have got a chance of scoring. That has been our philosophy, to try and defend very well.”
Dynamos goalkeeper George Chigova has been impressive while the central defensive pair of skipper Partson Jaure and Eric Chipeta have been complemented well by Hardlife Zvirekwi and Milton Ncube.

Chicken Inn’s Danny Phiri, the holding midfielder, has been the unsung hero of that defensive shield while his teammate Kuda Mahachi has been impressive upfront.

“We have a player just in front of the defence, Danny Phiri, and I think he is doing a marvellous job in front of the four defenders,” said Gorowa.

“I think that’s a great achievement for us — raising the flag of Sadc nations. It’s an opportunity which we have cherished and grabbed.
“We have always battled as a region, so at least, here we are in the semi-finals.”

Zimbabwe arrived in Bloemfontein on Sunday and are hopeful they will dismiss Libya in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Mahachi has told SuperSport he would like the chance to play in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League.

Mahachi put in a man-of-the-match display as Zimbabwe surprised everyone by knocking out Mali in the quarter-finals on Saturday night.

“For now I don’t know anything, but I am hoping to come and play in South Africa’s PSL. My manager is sorting all of this out and my focus now is on the field,” Mahachi said. “I do want to come to South Africa and express myself in the PSL.”

Asked whether he sees the PSL as a stepping stone to a career in Europe, a path that has been taken by several Zimbabweans over the years like Benjani Mwaruwari and Onismor Bhasera, Mahachi said: “If the chance comes to move to the PSL and then get a chance to go to Europe I will take it.

“But moving to the PSL is my first step,” said the Warriors’ exciting “number 10”.
Mahachi has already been on trial at Mamelodi Sundowns, an experience he says was very helpful.

“At Sundowns the coach (Pitso Mosimane) told me I am a good player and he may or may not sign me. I am now waiting to hear from my manager.”

Reports suggest that Mahachi has already been offered a three-year deal by Sundowns but the Pretoria club have asked the player to keep everything under wraps until he puts pen to paper.

Gorowa has barred clubs, who want to sign Zimbabwean players, to conduct their business with his men while the tournament is in progress saying it will deflect their attention from trying to win the trophy.