THIS is where it counts for the Warriors as they look to book a qualification spot at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) football final.
BY HENRY MHARA
At the National Sports Stadium tomorrow afternoon, should the Kalisto Pasuwa-coached side beat a visiting Malawi, the team could qualify for their first major tournament in exactly 10 years.
There is a possibility the fight could go to the last round of matches should Guinea beat Swaziland in another Group L qualifier in Mbabane tomorrow, but any other result in that match, and the Warriors would wrap up qualification with victory here against a hapless and bottom-placed Malawi.
Zimbabwe lead the group with eight points, three clear of both Guinea and Swaziland, while Malawi have two points, so tomorrow’s match could be the best chance for the Warriors with a trip to Conakry. For Warriors captain Willard Katsande, one of the key figures in the current team, reaching the twilight stage of their career, this campaign is their last and best opportunity.
“I have no doubt that we will make it on Sunday (tomorrow). I don’t think it would go to the last round of matches,” Katsande said yesterday.
“Even if it lasts the distance, we should put ourselves in a better position by beating Malawi. We are very much aware of the task at hand. We are eager to perform and get a good result. Everyone is geared up and every time we are chilling at the hotel, we always remind each other how important qualifying for the Afcon is, for our careers and for the nation. It would be a great experience for all of us.”
The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder reckons it would be disappointing for this squad not to qualify considering the massive talent.
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“For me, this squad is complete and there is no reason why we should fail to beat Malawi. We are blessed with enough quality throughout the team and can adapt to different circumstances if need be. We have speed, skill and even flair if we want because we have players for that, so I can say we are a complete side, one of the best to be assembled in a very long time,” Katsande said.
Warriors striker Knowledge Musona, who often rises to big occasions such as this, is champing at the bit.
“I can’t wait really. These are kind of moments you look forward to as a professional footballer,” Musona said.
“We will go out there and try to please our fans and do the nation proud. We understand they (fans) are paying their hard-earned money to come and support us. They need to see good football and goals, so we will do our utmost best not to disappoint them,” the Belgium-based forward added.
Defender Onismor Bhasera believes an early goal would do worlds of good for the hosts, as much as keeping a clean sheet at the back.
“We are very confident, the spirit is good and we are very high in confidence. Everyone is looking forward to the match. We will go for it. There is no pressure on us, we will go out there and enjoy ourselves since the football pitch is our office. I’m urging Zimbabweans to come in their numbers and support us. We want to make sure we start well and get an early goal that will settle us and play our normal game. The other most important thing is to keep a clean sheet.”
Katsande has, however, warned fans to desist from booing players.
“The fans are our extra men and we value their support very much. We want them to rally behind the team all the time. We might start slowly and some players might not play to their expectations, but they must be patient with us. We expect them to cheer us when we are not doing well becauyse that’s the only way they can bring our confidence back. Booing your own players can only give the opponents a boost and that is not what we want. We have to pull together, in one direction. Together we can do it,” Katsande said.
Zifa have pegged the cheapest ticket at $5, while the VVIP ticket would be sold at $50.
Warriors probable line-up: T Mukuruva, H Zvirekwi, C Nhamoinesu, E Muroiwa, O Bhasera, W Katsande, M Nakamba, K Billiat, K Mahachi, K Musona, T Ndoro.
