Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS coach Mario Marinica’s preferred ‘fast football’ will benefit some players while some stars could find the going tough.
Marinica spoke in detail about what he expects in Saudi Arabia where the Warriors are preparing for the showdown with Algeria on Thursday.
The friendly match, including the one against Qatar four days later, is part of preparations for the AFCON finals set for Morocco in December.
“What I actually want from them, is for them to be more direct. Not too many negative play, rather than to threaten the opponents goal. That’s the major weakness… I want it fast,” Marinica said on the first day of training.
Players that have spoken so far say they are trying to adapt to the new demands.
But who could be affected?
In Zimbabwe’s last World Cup qualifier, a number of players were accused of holding the ball for too long.
Some of the players included Tawanda Chirewa and Bill Antonio. While these two, and other younger players have speed, it will not be enough if they are to affect the rhythm of the game in line with the coach’s demands.
More experienced players, if they have quick reaction, could actually grasp Mario demands, which seems to focus more on ball movement and off the ball runs.
Premiership top scorer Washington Navaya if given the chance could deliver. He flourishes when the ball is released in time, taking opponents by surprise.
“I hope the same form that I had during the PSL gams can be the same form I can reproduce here,” said Navaya.
Utility player Jordan Zemura has shown in the past he can adapt well to anything, and also does well in fast raids, delivering the final ball in the process.
Captain Marvelous Nakamba, apart from his fitness challenges, is perhaps the master of them in terms of releasing the ball in time and playing it simple.
Vice captain Marshal Munetsi, who is not in camp, understands well high tempo, but his style when playing for the Warriors is somewhat different. He may need to cut on driving the ball on many occassions, if Mario’s demands are anything to go by.
Abasent veteran striker Knowledge Musona is another of the players whose experience could count, given what he has already shown over the years. Although he now lacks the speed, his reaction time has remained on point.
Motherwell star Tawanda Maswanhise, who gave South Africa a torrid time coming from the bench, has shown he can be fast with the ball and also still react fast to release the ball.
“With this new system we are going to play, we will be training so hard,” Maswanhise said.
While Mario may have his ideas in place, what will also be critical is having the correct balance. He will still need the team’s best players to understand what he needs.
