Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo–Zimpapers Sports Hub
JORDAN ZEMURA believes the Warriors can push aside Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifier if they carry the right mentality into the match.
The Group C match-day seven showdown kicks-off at 6pm in Cote d’Ivoire today.
Zimbabwe still have a chance, however slim, to win the pool and snatch a maiden ticket to the global showcase set to be co-hosted in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico next year.
They are sitting at the base of Group C with four points, nine behind leaders South Africa after six games.
The Michael Nees charges, who played their first four qualifiers under Baltemar Brito and then Jairos Tapera haven’t won a single game, and they will be eager to change that this evening.
Just like the Warriors themselves, Benin do not have a home of their own, and are hosting their games in Cote d’Ivoire.
And Zemura is hoping the Warriors will troop in with a strong mentality to get the points on the board.
The Warriors in confident mood ahead of today’s battle against Benin − Picture (Zifa).
“We haven’t been winning but we have been learning a lot. I am very happy that most of the guys who started the campaign are still around and the system is getting stronger with each game,” said Zemura.
“But I believe it’s high time we get our act together and start winning these games. We are in a difficult situation, of course but we should show that we are the Warriors.
“I think what we need right now is a strong mentality. We have a game, a big game before us against one of the strongest teams in our group and we should also carry a big mentality into the game.
“I am excited to see a lot of guys displaying the right attitude going into this game. This is what we want, and I am confident we will be able to play well and win the match as well.
“This is what we are here for. We need to stitch together these wins. We deserve better than being at the base of the table. We are really raring to go.”
The Udinese man has started the Italian Serie A season explosively and he is hoping to carry the same form into today’s encounter.
“It’s always good to put up a polished show. Ultimately, helping the team win the game is the priority. I am eager to play well and see everyone play well also,” he added.
“That’s how we can get to win the match, I think. At the end of the day what we want to see is a win on the scoreboard. We have trained well, and we are all in good spirits and I think we will fight and get the win.”
The Warriors will fly straight to South Africa where they host Rwanda in match-day eight of the same qualifiers.
But, while they also want to win that match, it’s not what they are thinking about at the moment.
Nees said: “We are progressing and getting more and more confident. I expect the players to give their best tomorrow (today). “We can be confident so far everything is on track. We are missing three regular starters. For Benin it’s also a very important game. They will take this match very seriously.
“It’s going to be a very tough encounter. But we will have a good team on the pitch, so don’t worry.
“We have three brand new faces in the camp (Tivonge Rushesha, Prosper Padera and Thando Ngwenya).
“So far it looks really promising in terms of quality. We will field the best possible squad in the game.”
