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Deco oozes with confidence

Sport
Warriors skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri, who sat out the Warriors’ first training session together with Roderick Mutuma, made a return to the fold, declaring war against Lesotho

Warriors skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri, who sat out the Warriors’ first training session together with Roderick Mutuma, made a return to the fold, declaring war against Lesotho, when the two nations lock horns at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on Sunday in the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) qualifiers.

BY SAKHELENI NXUMALO

Deco’s quick positive response to medication came as sweet music to Warriors coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s ears, having been left to sweat over the availability of his skipper in the last two days.

Following their afternoon training match against Tsholotsho Football Club at Sunday’s match venue, Deco expressed confidence that the Pasuwa-led troops would do the nation proud come Sunday.

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Both Deco and Mutuma took part in the match, with the skipper having recovered well from an ankle injury that he picked during his team’s 2-1 Castle Premiership victory over How Mine last week, while Mutuma received a knock while playing for DeMbare.

“We will be playing at home, therefore, we have to kill the match here. This will give us an edge when we go to Lesotho. Morale is high in the camp with coach Pasuwa having played a big role in boosting our morale. I am sure and confident that victory is certain,” Phiri said.

The gritty midfielder is expected to play as the holding linkman on Sunday and a lot will be expected from him because of his experience.

Phiri was part of the Warriors squad that participated in the last Chan tournament in South Africa and said he was comfortable handling the responsibility of being team captain.

“It’s not a difficult job being the captain, but all I can say is I’m now used to it and I can handle all the challenges that come with it. Actually, it’s always good being a leader, especially when the team is winning,” he said.

The Chicken Inn player expressed confidence in his teammates and Pasuwa, and said it was up to them, as players, to deliver on the field of play.

“So far so good and we are confident that we are going to qualify. We have a good coach and good players as well, so it’s all up to us to give our best so that we make the nation proud,” Phiri said