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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Defence Forces Select skipper, Gracious Muleya, has challenged his teammates to come to the party when they face off against their Malawi counterparts in the ZDF Cup final at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The match is expected to cap the ZDF festivities lined up for the afternoon in commemoration of the Defences Forces Day.
And the game between ZDF Select and the Malawi Defence Forces is expected to produce fireworks with Muleya saying his teammates will be out to dominate their meetings with the Malawians in five years.
Zimbabwe won the first meeting between the two sides. In a similar assignment in 2018, Brighton Mugoni’s strike settled matters and gave the ZDF side the bragging rights.
The latter are also walking with a spring in their step after winning last year’s edition of the competition following their 1-0 win over Botswana Defence Forces.
Lloyd Katongomara’s second half penalty carried the day for the hosts.
And Muleya believes the team which is under the tutelage of Chapungu United’s Steven Mapepa has what it takes to lift the ZDF trophy.
“Look, this is a match to commemorate the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and if there are matches that we have to win, it should be this one,” he said.
“We have to go out there, enjoy ourselves, entertain the crowd and win the trophy.
“We have to be happy on our day and we should not spoil the fun. We know Malawi Defence Forces are a very good team as we also played them in 2018. They made us run and sweat for victory. With a bit of luck on their side, they could have beaten us.
“So this is a team that plays with a lot of confidence. They are not under any pressure to win and that could work to their advantage.
“I am challenging my mates to rise to the occasion tomorrow (today). This is a game that we should win. This is the national team and we need to fight”.
The Chapungu defender said he was excited to be leading a group of talented players drawn from several teams under the ambit of the ZDF including Black Rhinos, Chapungu, Cranborne Bullets, Buffaloes and Tongogara.
“To be honest, I am very grateful to have been handed the armband. Leading a group of good players, we have in camp is encouraging.
“I am happy to have this responsibility and it is my hope that I will be able to lead them to victory in this match.
“I am itching to make a mark and to have my name remembered as someone who captained the ZDF Select to victory in 2023. I am really happy and ready to deliver”.
Charles Mutero of Rhinos will deputise Mapepa.
ZDF Select Squad:
Lenon Gonese, Tatenda Mchisa, Collin Kwaramba, Charles Matinenga, Gracious Mleya, Charles Matinenga, Leeroy Benard, Cliff Gwaze, Rodrick Mhlanga, Patricia Kumboda, Charles Mativenga, Vincent Mhandu, Brian Makanyadze, Kudakwashe Nyakudanga, Rushmore Makoni, Moreblessing Mushangwe, Lenon Musiyakureva, Clide Chandisaita
Online Reporter