Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda in Johannesburg, South Africa
DESPITE being out of contention for the next stage of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers, the Warriors are gunning for victory against South Africa when the two teams meet at the FNB Stadium tomorrow.
Zimbabwe are bottom of Group G with just one point from their goalless draw with South Africa in Harare in September. Warriors’ interim coach Norman Mapeza is, however, seeking a positive result against Bafana Bafana.
Speaking to journalists soon after the team completed its first training session at Sandton Sports Club yesterday morning, Mapeza spoke of the need to restore the nation’s pride.
After the promising draw against South Africa, Zimbabwe lost away to Ethiopia before suffering back-to-back defeats to Ghana.
“We want to win the game. I have said it before that our pride was battered and we need to restore it, so definitely we are going out there to try and get a positive result. We have to go out there with a positive mind to fight for our badge. Let’s go and restore our pride and go back home with a positive result,” Mapeza said.
He described the training session as productive, saying he focused on players’ speed. United Kingdom-based defender Brendan Galloway and Golden Arrows striker Knox Mutizwa missed the morning session, but were part of the afternoon workout.
“It was a good session, we did a little bit of speed work, we just want guys to get used to the weather here. I am more than happy most of the guys are all here. So far so good. I am happy with the attitude; you can tell the guys are really pushing. I just hope it will remain the same as it is now. What we don’t want is to have any injuries before our game,” Mapeza said.
Mapeza sought to work on combinations in the afternoon training sessions.
From the players called up by Mapeza, Macauley Bonne and Tendayi Darikwa have withdrawn, while Tawanda Maswanhise of Leicester City is not available, as he is working on securing a Zimbabwean passport.
From the players in camp, central defender Alec Mudimu is suspended for the match against South Africa after accumulating three yellow cards.
WARRIORS SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Taimon Mvula (Dynamos), Donavan Bernard (Chicken Inn), Petros Mhari (FC Platinum)
Defenders: Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Bruce Kangwa (Azam), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Takudzwa Chimwemwe (Nkana), Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi) Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders) Godknows Murwira (Dynamos)
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa), Kelvin Madzongwe (FC Platinum), Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy), Farai Madhanaga (Marumo Gallants), Blessing Sarupinda (Sekhukhune), Thabani Kamusoko (Zesco United), Jonah Fabisch (Hamburger SV), Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United), Khama Billiat (Kaizer Chiefs), Ismael Wadi (JDR Stars)
Strikers: David Moyo (Hamilton Academical), Bill Antonio (Dynamos), Knox Mutizwa (Lamontville Golden Arrows)
— @Mdawini_29
Online Reporter