Warriors lose out

friendlies and arrange a match for the real Warriors.
The Warriors will face Angola in their final 2013 Nations Cup qualifier at Rufaro on September 9, with the return leg scheduled for Luanda a month later.
But on a day when serious nations were in action across the globe, having taken full advantage of the recognised Fifa date for friendly internationals, Rahman Gumbo’s men were idle.
Skipper Tapuwa Kapini who plays for AmaZulu in South Africa, England-based defender Onimsor Bhasera, Vusa Nyoni, Takesure Chinyama, Tinashe Nengomasha and Khama Billiat were among a host of the Warriors foreign legion who remained holed up at their various bases as their club mates left to play for their national teams.
It became apparent that Zifa blundered in engaging in matches for the “development’’ sides when they could have saved their limited resources and arranged a match yesterday where they could have brought in their foreign legion.
But as such teams like their next opponents Angola swung into action, Gumbo was yesterday counting his loses after his troops missed out on a golden opportunity to play an international friendly that could have given the coach the bet chance to assess his possible side for the Angola assignment.
Since yesterday was a Fifa date, clubs were obliged to release players from their clubs and Zifa will probably on hindsight realise that they wasted time embarking on friendlies in Botswana and Zambia using a team of rookies and fringe players.
While the Warriors preparations were in limbo, the Palancas Negras were in action in Benguela against regional neighbours Angola whom they beat 2-0 in a match for which entry was free of charge. 
Even if Zifa get to find willing sparring partners before the match, its likely that Gumbo will not be able to get all the players in his possible line-up released by their clubs as the days fall outside the Fifa dates.
Last week, Zimbabwe played Zambia in Ndola and both teams used largely developmental sides.
Zambia coach Herve Renard only used two foreign-based players while Gumbo had a wholly locally assembled side.
Chipolopolo, who are the African champions, face the Ugandan Cranes in their final qualifier and were yesterday in South Korea with their full strength squad for an international friendly.
Zambia however, lost 2-1 against the South Koreans, with their Switzerland-based forward Emmanuel Mayuka, who missed the tie against Zimbabwe, scoring their goal.
Angola also made good use of yesterday’s slot as they engaged Mozambique with Kivuvo putting them in the lead in the 49th minute before Goncalves sealed the win a 69th minute penalty.
Former African champions Ghana also played China in a match, which ended 1-1 in Xian.
Former Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan, who ended a self-imposed international football exile triggered by public and media criticism after he had a penalty saved against Zambia, was an unused substitute in that match.
Africa’s number One team Cote d’Ivoire were also in action in Moscow for a clash with Fabio Capello’s Russia.
Despite the reality that Zifa had failed to get the Warriors to utilise the Fifa slot yesterday, the association’s board member competitions Benedict “Grinder” Moyo, was putting on a brave face.
Moyo tried to deflect blame on an alleged communication breakdown claiming that Zifa were not aware of the fact that August 15 was a Fifa date for friendlies.
The former Warriors and Mighty Warriors coach who is also the acting board member for development said they had then rushed to engage Zambia in a low key friendly last week.
“Basically we had been made to understand that the August 15 dates for international friendlies had been scrapped. We were informed that the matches had been cancelled and based on that we tried to organise that game against Zambia. It was only late that we received information that the Fifa dates have been okayed but it was too late for us to find the resources and opponents.
“So whatever changes that had been done, then the information did not reach us.
“Maybe Jonathan (Mashingaidze) knows better when the change of heart was done,” said Moyo.
Interestingly, the rest of the world knew of the Fifa dates and Zifa were the only affiliate that was in the dark.  
Moyo conceded that an international friendly was important for the Warriors ahead of the match against Angola.
“We will try to do something before the game. I am not promising anything yet, but we should work on something. The game against Angola is a must-win encounter for us,” said Moyo.
Next week, Gumbo and his assistants are expected to brief Zifa on their plans ahead of the Angola match.
“The technical committee could be meeting next week. They are going to work out how best to approach this game,” said Moyo.
Moyo said Zifa were being hamstrung by limited resources and pleaded for Government funding.
The Zifa board member in charge of all national teams also admitted that Zimbabwe’s preparations left a lot to be desired.
“The problem in Africa is that we are not preparing adequately in terms of resources.
“We speak of a lot of talent, but there are no resources to nurture that talent. I always call for the Government and the corporate world to come on board and support our programmes on development,” Moyo said.