A new dawn as Tembo restores The Warriors’ soul

THE elevation of Kaitano Tembo to the helm of the Zimbabwe national football team, following the abrupt and welcome resignation of Marian Marinica, feels less like a simple coach change and more like a restoration of national dignity.Marinica’s five-month tenure was a period of friction and tactical confusion that culminated in a dismal exit at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Morocco.By clearing out the Romanian’s divisive legacy, Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has finally prioritised harmony over ego.The headline news is, indisputably, the return of vice-captain Marshall Munetsi. Ostracising a player of Munetsi’s calibre — a man flying the Zimbabwean flag in France — was the height of Marinica’s folly.To bench your best assets, Tawanda Maswanhise and Tawanda Chirewa, at a stage such as the Afcon finals was tactical suicide for Marinica.Munetsi’s return, alongside Tino Kadewere and Jordan Zemura, signals that the clean-slate policy is in full effect. As the saying goes, you do not shoot yourself in the foot before a race.By bringing back those who have Zimbabwe at heart, Tembo has ensured that if the team fails, it will at least be with our strongest possible boots on the ground, allowing for an honest diagnosis of our footballing health.While Europe-based players grab the headlines, the most inspired inclusion is that of Scottland FC midfielder Abubakar Moffat.It has merit written all over it — merit which Marinica stubbornly refused to acknowledge.His journey from Spain to the local league has been nothing short of a masterclass in consistency. With captain Marvelous Nakamba clearly entering the twilight of his career, the search for a natural successor in the holding midfield role may well be over.Moffat made the Soccer Stars calendar last year despite playing only half a season. His snubbing for the Afcon was an injustice; his inclusion now is a vindication.The Unity Cup in London represents a massive shop window for him. If he performs against the likes of Nigeria national football team and the Jamaica national football team, a move to a top-tier global league could follow.While Teenage Hadebe, Andy Rinomhota and Brendon Galloway are conspicuous by their absence, the reality is that this 23-man squad is the closest Zimbabwe has come to its best selection in years.Munetsi restores leadership and elite experience from Ligue 1 and the English Premier League to the midfield, while Moffat provides a youthful, high-energy alternative to the ageing Nakamba. Furthermore, Kadewere reinvigorates an attack that looked toothless in Morocco.There is also a good dose of young players in the squad — notably Shane Maroodza, Corbin Mthunzi, Sean Fusire, Mongameli Tshuma, Marley Tavaziva and the two Tawandas, Maswanhise and Chirewa — which speaks to the future.Tembo is one of our own. He understands the weight of the badge and the temperament of the Zimbabwean players in a way a little-known foreign coach never could.However, a coach is only as strong as the support behind him.Zifa must provide Tembo with the logistical and financial backing to succeed where his predecessor failed.We are tired of experiments. We want success — and we want it under the guidance of a son of the soil.Good luck, Kaitano. The nation is behind you.