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IT will be show time in Maseru, Lesotho this afternoon when old enemies Zimbabwe and South Africa clash in a Cosafa Under-20 Championships semi-final that has been dubbed the “final before the final’’. The match kicks off at 3pm. Both teams, easily two of the tournament’s biggest draw cards won their respective groups and had appeared to be separated at least at the semi-final stage.
There had been indications that the winners of Group B would face those of Group D which left Jairos Tapera’s youth brigade bracing themselves for a clash against Angola.
But a change in format by the tournament organisers left the Young Warriors having to take on Amajita.
Although they only got to know about the change in the identity of their opponents late, Young Warriors team manager Patrick Mutesva said they would be ready to face any opponents.
Mutesva said their mission in Maseru had remained that of reaching the final of the youth championships.
“Originally the rules and regulations stated that the team which finishes on top in Group A will meet the team which finishes top of Group B after the draw. But when we arrived here for the tournament, we were given a programme which stated that Group A winners faces Group C winners while Group B winners was now facing Group D winners and we were anticipating a clash with Angola.
“But on Tuesday, when we were watching South Africa playing Namibia in their final group match, it was announced that South Africa have progressed to the semi-finals and are meeting Zimbabwe.
“We sought for clarification from the Cosafa organisers and there was some confusion amongst them before they finally clarified that we will indeed play South Africa. So it is really an administration issue,” Mutesva said.
Mutesva noted that Amajita needed to be treated with some respect given the way they had dismissed the challenges of defending champions Zambia and Seychelles.
“We have watched South Africa in action and they brought a strong team and they are playing good football.
“They have sharp players especially the player who wears jersey number 11, he is comfortable on the ball and can dribble and we should watch out for that him,” said Mutesva.
Zimbabwe have been boosted by the recoveries of chief striker Walter Musona and Tafadzwa Kutinyu. The two missed the 1-1 draw against Mozambique.
Musona has scored two goals at the tournament where Angolan forward Manuel Afonso has scored five goals and is the leading scorer.
Although the performance from the Young Warriors has not been very convincing, the defensive pair of Teenage Hadebe and Liberty Chakoroma have done very well. Kutinyu, who was missed in the middle of the park in the last match is also expected to drive the team as they seek to clear the hurdle of South Africa and reach the final.
There is no doubting though that a clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa is always interesting at any level of the game be it the Warriors or Mighty Warriors.
This afternoon’s game is expected to draw the attention of a number of scouts and Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund, who watched Amajita’s 0-0 draw against Namibia is likely to be among those in attendance.
Mutesva said their charges are not likely to be under any pressure when they take on South African.
“In terms of quality of play we play a similar game and the better team should win. There won’t be any pressure on us, ‘’ said Mutesva.
South Africa boast of the best defence at the tournament where they are yet to concede a goal.
Final Group Standings
for GROUP D
P W D L F A GD Pts
Zim 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 7
Bots 3 1 1 1 4 5 -1 4
Swaz 2 0 0 2 1 4 -3 0
GROUP C
P W D L F A GD Pts
SA 3 2 1 0 5 0 +5 7
Nam 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1 5
Zam 3 1 1 1 5 2 +3
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