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Nyoni, who could be thrust into an attacking role on the left side while Plymouth Argyle defender Onismor Bhasera occupies the left-back, was part of the squad that lost to 2-1 to Burundi in an African Nations Cup qualifier in February.
But now Nyoni has challenged his teammates to rise to the occasion and live up to the expectations of the home crowd.
“We need to set up our game and win the match.
“It’s important that we are playing at home and therefore we cannot afford to lose the game,” said Nyoni.
A former AmaZulu and Highlanders player, Nyoni says the players should avoid making costly blunders.
“We need focus and avoid silly mistakes that can cost us the match.
“The fans should also rally behind us during the whole game,” he said.
Just like veteran midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha, Nyoni added his voice to condemn the state of the surface at the National Sports Stadium but hopes the Warriors will adjust.
On Tuesday, Kaizer Chiefs midfield mainstay Nengomasha said the surface at the giant stadium was forcing the ball to make awkward bounces and difficult to control.
However, Nyoni said the Warriors have to adjust to the surface.
“The pitch is a bit bumpy but we are hoping to adjust since we are training on it,” he said.
Yesterday the Warriors did not use the arena of the stadium as the groundsmen were still stitching lawn on some sections.
Coach Rahman Gumbo and his troops had to use the B Arena which they shared with Harare giants Caps United for a practice match in the afternoon.
Gumbo said the team was taking shape as he was now working on the possible combinations.
“We should be trimming the team maybe by the end of the day tomorrow (today).
“So far everything is shaping up well and we have been working on the combinations today.
“Guinea play a more physical game and so we need to play a fast game and capitalise on speed and reaction.
“That is the reason why we played Caps United for a practice game because they (Caps) have players who are quick,” said Gumbo.
Gumbo’s FC Platinum lost 3-1 to Caps United in a league match last week and maybe he took a cue from the defeat.
For Gumbo, playing against Guinea evokes sad memories which he hopes to wipe out with a positive result on Sunday.
“I still remember Guinea from my days as a player.
“I have sad memories the last time I played them because I broke my leg after going into a crude tackle here at the National Sports Stadium.
“It was to be my last game after the injury.
“Now I feel that I have a bone to chew with them,” said Gumbo.
In 1993, Gumbo was part of Reinhard Fabisch’s Dream Team that at one time held the nation spellbound in albeit futile campaigns for the USA 1994 World Cup and the Nations Cup finals.
On 2 May 1993, Guinea, powered by Abubacour Titi Camara, who is now the country’s sports minister, beat the Warriors 3-0 in Conakry before Zimbabwe won 1-0 in the reverse fixture in September.
Yesterday Gumbo revealed that Ajax Cape Town midfielder Khama Billiat was responding well to training and said French-based midfielder Ovidy Karuru has overcome a slight shoulder injury.
“It’s my first time to work with Khama and I can see that he is a valuable player,” he said.
Online Reporter