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Karuru confident ahead of Tanzania clash

Sport
OVIDY Karuru is exuding confidence on his return to the Warriors

OVIDY Karuru is exuding confidence on his return to the Warriors.

SPORTS CORRESPONDENT The Belgium-based forward was part of the squad that trained for the epic clash against Tanzania in the 2015 African Cup of Nations first round, second leg football qualifier against Tanzania in Harare on Sunday.

Karuru, who last played for the Warriors in a 4-2 loss to Egypt in a World Cup qualifier, revealed yesterday he had found the atmosphere at training great and said they needed a goal in the first minute for them to settle.

“We need an outright win. There are no two ways about it. We have to try and get a goal in the first minute. I had the opportunity to watch how they (Tanzania) play. I observed their defenders are slow and I am happy the coach (Ian Gorowa) is emphasising on speed. He likes the ball to move fast. He wants one or two touches,” Karuru said.

Karuru has been a regular at his Belgian club OH Leuven in the second half of the season and will be one of the players Gorowa will be looking to deliver the much-needed goals.

The Warriors’ technical department had been hoping for a longer time in camp as they seek to overturn the deficit after losing 1-0 in the first leg.

They had requested for the postponement of the league matches at the weekend to enable the Warriors to get into camp early, but the Premier Soccer League (PSL) turned down their request on the basis that it would inconvenience sponsors, especially television partners SuperSport.

Now they will have to train for four or five days before facing the Taifa Stars.

Team manager Shariff Mussa said it was a major disadvantage.

“We would have wanted a longer training camp for the coaches to address some of the weaknesses noted in the first leg and this is a set back,” Mussa said.

Gorowa is expected to field the strongest possible team for the return leg with changes expected in a number of departments, throwing caution to the wind.

With Peter Moyo out, the creative duties are expected to be handed over to Karuru.

Cuthbert Malajila, who was off colour in the first leg, could make way for the PSL top goalscorer Kuda Musharu to partner Tendai Ndoro in a two-man attack. Willard Katsande would play in a more advanced role with Danny Phiri or Stephen Alimenda protecting the back four, which is expected to feature Eric Chipeta, Patson Jaure, Milton Ncube and Hardlife Zvirekwi.

There is a high possibility that Gorowa could opt for experience in the number one position and replace George Chigova with Washington Arubi.

If Edward Sadomba arrives from Tunisia, he could play interchangeably on the wings with Mahachi to give the Warriors more attack options.