adminAaron Dube in Johannesburg, South Africa
FORMER Dynamos defender Shepherd Murape is confident that Zimbabwe will beat Tanzania to proceed to the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Warriors clash with the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Harare this Sunday.
Murape, a former national team player and coach believes that the country’s failure to be seeded among the top teams on the continent is due to lack of exposure.
Said Murape: “We need much exposure to be classified among the best in Africa, it’s not that we don’t have quality because the Warriors play good and entertaining football.
“Let’s be realistic and just look at the recent Chan tournament which was played in South Africa – who thought we would go as far as we did?”
The former Warriors coach who played in the 1970s, said Zimbabwe produced many good players who have played in different leagues in the world.
Murape said George Shaya, Moses Chunga, Bruce Grobbelaar, Peter Ndlovu, Ephraim Chawanda, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Tendai Ndoro and Kudakwashe Mahachi were among stars that Zimbabwe produced.
Zimbabwe players have an outstanding performance in South Africa and these include Cuthbert Malajila and Billiat of Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs’ Willard Katsande, Musona and Kingstone Nkhatha.
“It is therefore surprising that with these top players we struggle to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals and at times countries with ordinary players beat us. The Warriors are a quality side which can match any team in Africa pound for pound.
“What I like about our players is that they are so knowledgeable when it comes to the beautiful game,” said Murape who coaches Witbank Spurs in South Africa’s First Division.
He urged the nation to rally behind coach Ian Gorowa who has achieved much in a short space of time.
Online Reporter