Wenslus Murape
Innocent Kurira
GERMAN coach Michael Nees will carry out his first assignment as Warriors coach against Kenya this afternoon at the Mandela National Stadium in Uganda with expectations of him to deliver already high.
Players have so far heaped praise on the new coach, saying they were fast adopting his philosophy.
Since his arrival, Nees has proven to have vast knowledge of the players and the local game at large.
Kenya, who have given Zimbabwe problems over the years are his first opponents and a victory might just be enough to endear himself into the hearts of the multitudes of football loving Zimbabweans.
Kenya, just like Zimbabwe, do not have a Caf certified stadium at present and are forced to play their home games outside their country.
Cameroon will be the Warriors next opponents on Tuesday at the same venue.
The Warriors have already played against the Harambee Stars of Kenya twice this year.
Their first duel was at the Four Nations tournament, which Zifa hosted in Malawi.
In that Four-Nations tourney, the Warriors were under the interim guidance of FC Platinum coach Norman Mapeza when they fell to Kenya 3-1 in the final.
The two teams were to meet again at the Cosafa Cup tournament where the Harambee Stars were the guest team in South Africa. This time, the Warriors were again under an interim coach Jairos Tapera of Manica Diamonds and they still came a cropper against the East Africans, losing 2-0.
Ahead of the clash, Warriors players are confident of a positive result.
Goalkeeper Washington Arubi is dreaming of the country getting another Afacon berth.
“I am happy to be back. It’s every player’s dream to represent their country. We have to do our level best in our first game. Everyone who is here is good, with some youngsters and as senior players we have to guide them. It has been a long time since we qualified for Afcon so my dream is to qualify. We have to start doing well beginning with the Kenya game. The coach has told us not to relax and be too complacent. We just have to work hard, believe in ourselves, score goals and avoid conceding,” said Arubi.
Defender Godknows MAurwira says the team will fight to qualify for the prestigious tournament.
“I am happy to once again be part of the Warriors. The two games are easy but we have to fight as a team so as to qualify. The coach has created a good environment for everyone. We promise to do our best to qualify,” said Murwira.
Warriors star boy Tawanda Chirewa is confident that the team will do well in the two upcoming qualifiers starting with the game this afternoon.
“Just seeing everyone here again has been amazing. It’s something l have been looking forward to and l am happy to be here. We have a new manager, a good coach, someone who has a lot of information on the game and can help us to develop as a team and have a structure in place.
“So, coming to this qualifying campaign, we can do well. Every time I go to represent my country it gives me extra gear because it’s something special to me. So going into this game I just hope l get to score and assist and defend as best as l can. I expect us to win games and perform at a high level,” said Chirewa.
After the two matches against Kenya and Cameroon, Zimbabwe will be away to Namibia on October 7 before hosting the Brave Warriors on October 15 at a venue yet to be announced.
Warriors squad:
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi, Marley Tavaziva, Donovan Bernard
Defenders: Gerald Takwara, Munashe Garananga, Andrew Mbeba, Godknows Murwira, Emmanuel Jalai, Teenage Hadebe, Farai Banda.
Midfielders: Marshall Munetsi, Andy Rinomhota, Jordan Zemura, Walter Musona, Daniel Msendami, Brian Banda, Tawanda Maswanhise, Tawanda Chirewa, Richard Hachiro, Khama Billiat.
Strikers: Douglas Mapfumo, Prince Dube, Obriel Chirinda.
Online Reporter