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Ndlovu, the most successful Warriors skipper, is now the team’s assistant coach while doubling up as the Under-23 head coach.
A veteran of many Warriors battles during his heydays, Ndlovu has led Zimbabwe to their only two appearances at the African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia in 2004 and a second appearance at the 2006 edition in Egypt.
Now the former Coventry City winger could be on the threshold of making history as the first player from Zimbabwe to help the Warriors qualify at the biggest continental showpiece as player and later as part of the technical team.
The Warriors, Ndlovu, believes should get a healthy advantage at home so that they make their life easier in the reverse fixture in October.
Ndlovu told Cafonline.com that the Warriors will be taking their match against the Angolan side very seriously and are confident that they will come out the winners over the two matches and seal a place to South Africa 2013 finals.
Cafonline.com: How are the preparations for Sunday’s match going?
Ndlovu: So far as a technical team we are happy with the preparations, the camp is focused and the boys are working hard. We played two international friendly matches in the last two months which have played a vital role in helping the players get to know each other and for us the technical team a chance to build our team.
Cafonline.com: Your win against Burundi was a close call, what is the strategy to ensure qualification to the finals in South Africa 2013?
Ndlovu: Well yes we have strategies in place, however a win is a win, and here we are at the next stage of the competition after that narrow win over Burundi. Having to play at home first we plan to maximise on the advantage and score as many goals as possible. It is here, at Rufaro Stadium, where our fans are, that we are most inspired and motivated to succeed. We are looking at strengthening our strike force so that we maximise on the shots at goals and hopefully come away with a healthy lead to take to Angola for the return match.
Cafonline.com: How much do you know about the current Palancas Negras side?
Ndlovu: Well, as you know Angola played in CAN 2012 finals although they left the competition at group stage they had a fine run and gained from that experience of the competition, so we are not expecting this match to be a walk over. They have many quality players which we know about and we will definitely be looking to field players who will rise to the challenge Angola brings. Most of their international players feature in the European leagues and because we also have players who are in the same European leagues so the match should not have too many surprises when it comes to style of play.
Cafonline.com: What is the news from the medical team , do you have all your players available to play?
Ndlovu: We have had a few niggles to some players carried over from their respective clubs but there is still some time for recovery and also we are still to complete the final fitness assessments, so no one is ruled out as yet.
Cafonline.com: What is your realistic goal in this competition?
Ndlovu: That is a tough prediction to make ahead of such a tie, but all I can say is that we are confident we will win on Sunday, we are not giving ourselves any other option. If we take care of the home game and carry a win to Angola, it gives us a fighting chance and who knows what will happen from thereon.
Online Reporter