adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
YOUNG Warriors coach Jairos Tapera yesterday raised a concern about his players’ ability to adapt to playing under floodlights when they meet Botswana in the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations second leg tie at the Lobatse Sports Complex tomorrow night.
The match is set for 7PM.
Speaking moments before the squad’s departure yesterday morning, Tapera conceded that the ground’s condition might have some negative effect on his boys, who must overturn a 0-1 deficit they suffered in the first leg at Barbourfields Stadium.
“We’re very confident of a positive result, but my only worry is the effect of floodlights on my boys. These youngsters have never played under such conditions. We hope we might have a single training session under floodlights just to have an appreciation,” said Tapera.
He, however, remained confident that the youngsters would make the country proud by going through to the next round of the qualifiers against Cameroon.
Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda urged the squad to believe in themselves and grind a positive result.
“Go there and win; that’s my message to you. I’m confident that we will overturn their slim lead, so all the best to you and please remember you’re leaving behind an expectant and confident nation,” said Sibanda during a brief send-off ceremony also attended by regional Zifa boss Musa Mandaza, Bulawayo province board member Siphambaniso Dube and Zifa education officer Brian Moyo.
Eighteen players and seven technical team members left for Botswana with Zifa Southern Region board member Bryton Malandule as head of delegation.
Zimbabwe delegation;
Players: Issa Ali, Bukhosi Sibanda, Bukhosi Ncube, Lesslie Lunga, Mathias Chodewa, Thomas Kadyaridzire, Jerry Chipangura, Kelvin Bingara, Blessing Nyamuziwa, Nxusani Thulani, Amos Ncube, Blessing Sibanda, Nelson Chadya, Thembalethu Mthunzi, Derwin Phiri, Peace Makaha, Dexter Mawere, Patrick Munsaka.
Technical team: Jairos Tapera (head coach), Mandla Mpofu (assistant coach), Tafadzwa Mashiri (assistant coach), Labani Kandi (goalkeepers’ coach), Langton Mahungu(medic), David Banda (kit manager) Patrick Mutesva (team manager)
Head of delegation: Bryton Malandule
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