Warriors worried over stadium

Guinea at Rufaro on Sunday.
There have been concerns about the pathetic state of the pitch at the giant stadium.
And Nengomasha, one of the most experienced players in the team, also added his voice to the growing chorus.
Nengomasha made it clear that the players were more comfortable at Rufaro than at the National Sports Stadium.

However, since the authorities have decided against Rufaro because of it is small in terms of capacity, the Warriors will have to stick with that decision.
“As players we have always wanted to play at Rufaro. The boys are more motivated there than at the National Sports Stadium because the playing surface is not as awkward,” said Nengomasha.
“Most of the guys in the team are coming from outside the country where they play on good pitches.

“Fans always want to see flowing football when playing at home but that cannot happen on this pitch (NSS).
“The ball is taking an awkward bounce and it’s difficult to control the ball when receiving a pass.
“The players said they would prefer Rufaro but if the authorities say we play here we, have to adjust to the conditions fast because we need to win at the end of the day.”

The Warriors’ preparations could not train in the morning inside the giant stadium because groundsmen were busy stitching lawn into some of the bare spaces.
The Warriors, who had a schedule of training twice a day, had to train once in the afternoon. They have bitter memories of the National Sports Stadium, the scene of their lifeless show in a goalless draw against Cape Verde two years ago.

That game marked the end of Benjani Mwaruwari’s international career.
They thrashed Liberia 3-0 in the same stadium but, against quality opposition, they have struggled in the massive arena.
In contrast the compact nature of Rufaro makes it easier for the fans to come into play and the Warriors, pushed on by their supporters, famously beat Mali 2-1, scoring the winner in the dying moments.

Nengomasha said the team should avoid repeating mistakes of the past when they open their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign against Guinea on Sunday.
The Warriors are seeking a positive beginning in Group G in the first match of a double header that will be followed by an away game against Mozambique in a week’s time.

Nengomasha, who is a veteran of many campaigns, expressed confidence in the new-look Warriors outfit, which includes a number of youthful players.
The Warriors midfielder believes the dream is attainable and urged his teammates to work hard if they want to make it to the finals in Brazil.
They are also scheduled to meet Egypt, who complete the group, later in the year but crucially for the experienced Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Zimbabwe should collect points in their first match at home.

“It is very important to start off on a high note because most of the times our downfall was that we didn’t do well at home.
“We need to win here because we are playing in front of our home supporters.
“Guinea are ranked higher than us and I rate them highly. We have to prepare well for them.
“The last time we played against them it ended 0-0 draw and I remember if we had won that game we could have enhanced our chances of qualification.
“We have better chances of doing well as long as we work hard. There are no more minnows in African football because if you look at what Zambia did at the Africa

Cup of Nations you will find that at the end of the day nothing beats hard work,” said Nengomasha.
The warriors continued with their preparations under coach Rahman Gumbo at the National Sports Stadium in the afternoon.
Midfielder Khama Billiat, who had sat out of the training on Monday, was back in the fold despite battling an ankle injury.

His chances of playing on Sunday are still hanging in the balance but, at least, he remains in the picture. There was also bad news in the camp after France-based midfielder Ovidy Karuru was given rest after complaining of a shoulder injury.