Young Warriors ready

sharpen their daggers for an explosive showdown in the return leg of the All-Africa Games first round qualifiers at Rufaro tomorrow.
Stakes are high in this match, as winners will proceed to the next stage where they are likely to face South Africa’s Amaglu-glug in the final round of the qualifiers.
Zimbabwe Under-23 coach Friday Phiri yesterday said his charges, who forced a draw in the reverse fixture two weeks ago, will be on the hunt for victory.
“I think this game is tougher than the first leg because we all want a win. So we have to be aggressive. We have to be attacking hard and at the same time maintaining a solid defence,” he said.
Phiri, however, bemoaned the lack of preparation time, which he said made it difficult for the technical team to work on new combinations to replace the suspended duo of Archford Gutu and Denver Mukamba.
“As I have said before, their suspension had been disastrous to this campaign.
“But this is a game we have to win and we are not taking Botswana lightly because they are good especially when attacking from the wings.
“We are going to attack and at the same time we have to make sure that our defence is in order,” said Phiri.
Knowledge Machona is back to take his place in central defence where he partners Lincolin Zvasiya while Obey Mwerahari and Qadr Amini will operate as wingbacks.
Changes are expected in Zimbabwe’s midfield engine room, which misses the creative duo of Gutu and Mukamba through suspension.
The technical team will have to gamble with such names as Trevor Mutero, Abbas Amidu, Misheck Mburayi and Monomotapa’s Russel Madamombe as possible replacements.
FC Platinum’s Joel Ngodzo is a sure bet to take his place together with Dynamos’ Timire Mamvura and Devon Chafa.
Premiership’s leading scorer Simba Sithole is again expected to lead the attack with options in Mathew Rusike, who returns from a groin injury, and industrious Dynamos forward Patrick Khumbula who is set for his first cap.
But following the 2-2 draw in Botswana, Young Zebras coach Daniel Nare has made no secret of their intentions as they battle to get an outright victory against the hosts.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to clip Botswana from the wings where the Young Zebras appear dangerous.
The visitors have also demonstrated that they are lethal with set pieces inside the opposition territory.
Their free-kick expert Galabgwe Moyana, who scored Botswana’s second goal, in the first leg from a set piece, has proved lethal for both his country and club Notwane.
“It’s going to be tough game because we are playing away against a well organised side that has good individual players.
“The draw back in Botswana was a clear message that we should go out there aiming for nothing less than a victory.
“This is a game where we cannot afford to play for another draw or even a loss.
“There is everything to play for, as a win by any margin will be okay for us. So we are going for the kill,” said Nare.
The Young Zebras were expecting the arrival of three of the five players who were left behind sitting for their university examinations.
Defender Simisane Mathumo, Ntesang Simanyane and Thabiso Kunwane were expected late yesterday, with the remaining two members of the squad expected today as they had exams scheduled in the evening.
But the visitors suffered a setback as striker Phenyo Molefe who had a heavy hand in Botswana’s first goal in the reverse leg, was ruled out after a suspected asthmatic attack after arriving in Harare.
Molefe could not train with the team yesterday and coach Nare said plans were being made to replace him with either Lemogang Maswena or Kenamile Mani.
Nare drafted in the Flamengo Santos trio of Mogokolodi Ngele, Thato Bolweleng and striker Bakang Moeng who missed the first leg.
Ofentse Nato, who was part of the history making Zebras senior team that qualified for their debut Africa Cup of Nations, is also in the squad and is expected to play a leading role in the midfield.
Nare, who admitted pressure on his side, said the Young Zebras will not be overwhelmed tomorrow.
“In football coaches are always under pressure to do well because they are judged by the results. But this is just part of the game.
“We have to live with the pressure every day but I must say I am composed and we are really hoping for a good result,” said Nare.
Warriors supporter Chris “Romario” Musekiwa has called upon the fans to come in their numbers and cheer the Young Warriors to victory.
He said the current Under-23 team needed everyone’s support as they are the nation’s hope for 2014 World Cup.
Squads:
Zimbabwe: A. Sibanda, G. Chigova, O. Mwerahari, Q. Amini, K. Machona, L. Zvasiya, M. Kadzola, T. Mamvura, D. Chafa, J. Ngodzo, T. Mutero, M. Mburayi, A. Abbas, R. Madamombe, N. Maviri, S. Sithole, M. Rusike, P. Kumbula
Botswana: Kabelo Dambe, Simisane Mathumo, Ontse Ntesa, Ntesana Simanyana, Thabiso Kunwane, Edwin Motlhagodi, Isaac Paeye, Ofentse Nato, Mogokolodi Ngele, Thato Bolweleng, Bakang Moeng, Motsholetsi Sikele, Kabo Rasuping, Kgololo Leteane, Galabgwe Moyana, Michael Repukani, Kaelo Kgaswane, Gift Isaaka,