admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
“YES we can!” these were the words of confidence said by Warriors striker Tendai “Fire” Ndoro ahead of Sunday’s must win return leg of the 2015 Africa Nations Cup first round preliminary round qualifier against Tanzania in Harare.
“Forget that the Warriors have been dealt a blow following injuries that ruled out Mamelodi Sundowns-bound dribbling wizard Kudakwashe Mahachi, Highlanders’ talisman Peter “Rio” Moyo, Czech Republic-based leftback Costa Nhamoinesu, national team skipper and defender Carlington Nyadombo as well as Ajax Cape Town striker Simba Sithole,” Ndoro said.
He said he was positive that Zimbabwe will beat Taifa Stars.
The Warriors go into the game trailing 1-0 and need to avoid a draw to progress.
Ndoro, who dreams playing in Europe, said they will fight hard to get the goals.
“We are going to burn them and this is just what we should do. We have to turn the tables against them and what is in our favour is that they are more under pressure compared to us.
What we need to do is to play as a unit and seek an early goal. If we hit the groove nothing will stop us from making it through to the next round.
“The good thing is that everyone wants to win and spirits are high in camp. We are all working hard to make sure that we do not disappoint the nation. Winning and progressing to the next stage enhances our careers as footballers. We just have to beat Tanzania and yes, we can beat them,” said Ndoro.
The 2013 Castle Lager Premiership Top Goal Scorer with 18 goals called on the nation to rally behind the Warriors and create an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors on Sunday.
The Warriors have pledged to turn on the heat on the visitors and all they need is support from fans.
Ndoro said competition was tight in camp as each and every player was fighting to be among the first 11 with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Cuthbert Malajila, local league’s top marksman Kuda Musharu and Libya-based Edward Sadomba expected in camp yesterday.
“It is good to have guys pushing you to work even harder and that improves one’s game. Like I said before, everyone wants to be in the final team and with the hunger that the guys are showing, anyone chosen on match day will deliver,” he said.
National team coach Ian Gorowa is spoilt for choice in the midfield with three gritty midfielders in Willard Katsande, Danny “Deco” Phiri and Stephen Alimenda who are expected to protect the backline by thwarting visitors’ raids as well as add numbers when attacking.
Creative midfielders that are fighting for starting places to make sure that they keep the supply chain to strikers are Denver Mukamba, Belgium-based Ovidy Karuru, Pasca Manhanga of Triangle, Harare City’s Talent Chawaphiwa, Marshal Mudewe and Bantu Rovers’ Nqobizitha Masuku who is also good defensively.
George Chigova who started in Tanzania is hoping to start ahead of Pretoria University’s goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Munyaradzi Diya of Highlanders with Partson Jaure expected to lead from the back partnering Eric Chipeta at central defence.
Highlanders’ Ajax Cape Town bound utility player Milton Ncube is certain to start on the left side of defence ahead of caps United’s Ronald Pfumbidzayi while Hardlife Zvirekwi who has a light knock is positioned for rightback.
Two infield players and a goalkeeper will be axed tomorrow.
Warriors in camp
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Pretoria University, South Africa), George Chigova (Dynamos), Munyaradzi Diya (Highlanders).
Defenders: Hardlife Zvirekwi, Ronald Pfumbidzai (both Caps United), Partson Jaure (Dynamos), Milton Ncube (Highlanders), Eric Chipeta (Hwange).
Midfielders: Nqobizitha Masuku (Bantu Rovers), Danny Phiri (Chicken Inn), Stephen Alimenda (Dynamos), Marshal Mudewe (FC Platinum), Talent Chawapihwa (Harare City), Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Pasca Manhanga (Triangle), Ovidy Karuru (Belgium), Denver Mukamba (Bidvest Wits, South Africa).
Strikers: Kuda Musharu (How Mine), Cuthbert Malajila (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Tendai Ndoro (Mpumalanga Black Aces, South Africa), Edward Sadomba (Al Ahly Benghazi, Libya).
Online Reporter