MIGHTY Warriors key players Rudo Neshamba and goalkeeper Chido Dzingirai have shrugged off injuries and were yesterday certified fit to face Cameroon in the 2016 Rio Olympics Preliminary Competition African Zone final round second leg match at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday.
BY HENRY MHARA
The two had been carrying knocks, something that has been worrying coach Shadreck Mlauzi, as the team chases history by qualifying for the finals to be hosted by Brazil next year.
The duo were heavily involved in a preparatory match against Harare City Under-20 men’s team at the match venue yesterday and Mlauzi later certified both fit for the weekend match.
Zimbabwe are looking to build on an away goal they scored in a 2-1 loss in the first leg, a goal which was scored by Neshamba.
They require a 1-0 win or any two goal victory margin to progress, while Cameroon will need to avoid defeat to go through No Zimbabwean football team has ever qualified for a major global event, but the Mighty Warriors are 90 minutes away from making it to the world’s foremost sports competition.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
“Rudo looked much fitter yesterday, the same with Chido. I was a bit concerned, but I’m happy with the way they responded. I can safely say they are fit and will be available for the match,” Mlauzi said.
The Mighty Warriors lost the preparatory match, but Mlauzi was not disappointed.
“We were not looking at the result per se because we were playing a technically better team, but there are aspects that impressed us. The emphasis on the team was on ball possession and defending, which I think they were super on those two aspects.
From what I saw, the team is ready for the match and I have no doubt in my mind that they will do well on Sunday,” he said.
The former Inline Academy coach is expected to name his final squad today.
They are expected in the country this morning.
Meanwhile, Zifa has announced the gate charges for the match, with the cheapest pegged at a $1.