Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda in FRANCISTOWN, Botswana
WHEN Zimbabwe thrashed Botswana in the Mukuru Four Nations semi-final on Saturday, it was speedy winger Bill Antonio who caused havoc.
The KV Mechelen star created all the three goals as the Warriors coasted to an impressive victory.
In the final on Tuesday night, another speedy forward, Junior Zindoga was their main man.
The TS Galaxy player forced the own goal that saw Zimbabwe beat rivals Zambia to claim the inaugural silverware. The boys are enjoying coach Marian Marinica’s style of play.
A philosophy the Romanian calls fast and very fast.
Zindoga replaced another substitute Jarrison Selemani, who was injured late in the second stanza.
The TS Galaxy forward would go on to be the star of the show.
He received a pass on the right side of the Zambian 18 area and raced with the ball towards goal.
He then roasted a defender before forcing an own goal that sent Zimbabwean fans into delirium.
Zindoga was naturally ecstatic after the match but reserved much of the praise to Marinica.
“The coach doesn’t call us substitutes, he calls us impact players.
“So, you know, you always have to be prepared to take your chance and then when you do, you just have to make sure you keep your composure and you do your best and help the team,” said Zindoga.
It seems Marinica trusts Zindoga as an impact player, a role he also played at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco last December.
“Fast and very fast’’ is a style of play that Zindoga has settled into.
“Obviously, it is a style that does suit my strengths as well and having been in the national team through the head coach Mario (Marinica) since the AFCON and now, just obviously slowly adapting to the philosophy and just embracing exactly what he tells us to do.”
Zindoga has also been enjoying the Warriors latest reunion, which began in Bulawayo last week and ended yesterday in Francistown as the senior team members retreated to their respective club bases.
“Going into the tournament and meeting up as a national team and with the other guys, we encourage each other, we always help each other,” added Zindoga.
“We get help from the technical staff as well.
“And then coming into the tournament, it’s just one of those things where, you know, as a player, you’re part of the whole squad, you always need to be prepared for your chance.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa