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Costa wants club form with Warriors

Sport
WARRIORS’ international defender Costa Nhamoinesu says he is happy with the team spirit and bonding in their dressing room ahead of the potentially explosive showdown with Swaziland in the back to back clashes of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L football qualifiers.

WARRIORS’ international defender Costa Nhamoinesu says he is happy with the team spirit and bonding in their dressing room ahead of the potentially explosive showdown with Swaziland in the back to back clashes of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Group L football qualifiers.

BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA

Nhamoinesu, who plays for Sparta Praha in the Czech Republic, will be making his second appearance in the gold and green colours of the Warriors after a long time in the wilderness.

Costa Nhamoinesu
Costa Nhamoinesu

He produced a splendid performance in his first call-up to the team by coach Kalisto Pasuwa against Guinea at Rufaro last year, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The unassuming defender believes Zimbabwe has quality and the team spirit to overcome Swaziland which would enhance their chances of qualification for the biennial soccer tournament for the first time since 2006.

Nhamoinesu has been encouraged by the unity of purpose so far displayed in camp, despite the players playing for different clubs around the globe.

“The spirit in the team is high, morale is there, and we are a one united family,” he said. “It’s quite interesting really. We play for different clubs and all the players have been in top form, now we are here to play for our country and we must bring that form to the national team. It doesn’t matter who we are playing, Swaziland or any other team, all we need is the right mentality. We have to go there with a positive mind.”

The defender has been enjoying top form for his club, helping them qualify for the last eight in the Europa League and his team is second in the league campaign.

But he was quick to point out that what mattered was for those enjoying top club form to transfer it to the country.

“I have had an outstanding season at the club, we are in the last eight of the Europa League, that is quite a good achievement. We are also second in our league. I am really enjoying my football, but what is important ultimately is for one to be playing for his country and transfer the form to the national team. The fact that Swaziland beat Guinea means they are a good team and we should approach them with caution and respect because we need all the three points,” Nhamoinesu said.

The Warriors are scheduled to leave for Swaziland this morning via South Africa, where they will connect to Swaziland by road.

The match is set to be played on Good Friday. Zimbabwe and Swaziland share top spot in Group L, with four points each after two matches of the campaign.

Zimbabwe beat Malawi 2-1 away before drawing 1-1 with Guinea, while Swaziland beat Guinea 2-1 away and then drew 2-2 against Malawi.