Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Warriors’ COSAFA Cup journey begins tonight with a Group A opener against Mauritius in an adventure where the focus will be more on the emerging players than winning silverware.
The match starts at 6pm.
While every coach goes into every game with the mission to win the match, the bigger picture here is to see which players can really start challenging for places in the senior Warriors side.
The players in South Africa know that the ultimate mission for them is to get a chance to be among the Warriors who are currently in Morocco for two international friendlies.
That is why the squad in South Africa has a predominantly junior touch and is under the guidance of Young Warriors coach Simon Marange.
He is being assisted by Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla.
Zimbabwe boasts of a proud COSAFA Cup history, having lifted the trophy six times, most recently in 2018 under Sunday Chidzambwa.
They remain unbeaten against all three of their Group A rivals: South Africa, Mozambique and Mauritius.
However, the Warriors’ recent showings have lacked a spark.
Zimbabwe failed to advance beyond the group stage in 2021 and have since sent understrength teams to the competition.
Still, there’s cautious optimism that this new generation of home-based players can step up and make an impression.
Former Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs captain Willard Katsande has already reminded the players that South African clubs will be keeping a close eye on them.
“It is a good opportunity for those who are available for this big tournament as many stars were born from this competition and it could be their turn to be counted,” said Katsande.
“These are opportunities that come once-in-a-lifetime and representing the country is always something you need to respect all times.”
