‘We won’t be complacent’

Sunday’s big clash following a seemingly healthy 3-1 win from the first leg at Rufaro last month.
Goals by Khama Billiat, Archieford Gutu which followed an own goal by Angolan midfielder Mateus condemned the Palancas Negras to defeat on September 9.

The Warriors have beefed up their squad with six of the seven players cleared from the Asiagate scam also joining in.
Striker Knowledge Musona and veteran midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha also back in the fold.
Mandigora, a veteran of many battles on the African continent during his days as a player and coach with Dynamos, believes Zimbabwe stand a better chance of reaching the finals.

The former Dynamos coach, however he said they were also taking a cautious approach to the game and would want to avoid conceding a goal which could spur on the Angolans. Mandigora said they were also assessing all the 31 players they have in camp.
“At the moment we have got all the guys at our disposal and we will see how they will perform after the practise match in the afternoon (yesterday).

“I am glad that so far we have no major injuries to worry about,” said Mandigora.
The Warriors technical team are yet to name their final 18 but Mandigora said they are excited because of the many options available.
“The guys know that they have to perform well and we are carrying a 3-1 lead which makes us better off than the Angolans as we go into this match.
“However, we have to avoid being complacent.

“We have been getting it to their heads before each training session, that they should not be complacent.
“For now we have not finalised our squad and we will have a headache but it’s a better headache,” said Mandigora.
Mandigora is bidding for his second appearance as part of the Warriors’ technical team at the Nations Cup finals following his tour of duty to Egypt in 2006.
In 2006, Mandigora was an assistant coach to Charles Mhlauri.

Coach Rahman Gumbo was also an assistant to Sunday Chidzambwa when the Warriors made their maiden appearance at the Nations Cup in Tunisia in 2004.
In a week in which there has been a lot of goodwill for the Warriors, they also received the backing of Zimbabwe and Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar in their bid to qualify for the African Nations finals. Former goalkeeper Grobbelaar was a member of the late Reinhard Fabsich’s famed “Dream Team’’ that held the nation spellbound despite eventually failing to qualify for the Nations Cup and the World Cup finals. Grobbelaar was also teammates with Gumbo and Peter Ndlovu in that Dream Team and yesterday he took to Facebook to wish the Warriors luck.

“I really hope The Warriors can win on the weekend.
“My best wishes go to Rahman Gumbo, Peter Ndlovu & David Mandigora to inspire the team to win. Nyama Yekugocha Warriors!” wrote Grobbelaar.

Meanwhile Angolan coach Gustavo Ferrin is happy with their preparations following the arrival of Dede who plays for AEL Limassol of Cyprus and defender Zuela of Apoel, Turkey.

Dede and Zuela arrived in Luanda on Tuesday as did Djalma Campos (Kasimpasa Turkey).