Character, composure lifted Zimbabwean spirit in COSAFA

 Truly, indeed, they Young Warriors came, played, conquered and clinched the prestigious championship taking it back to the land of poverty, hunger and oppression, but all the 14 nations present, including the world’s soccer governing body, the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) were left without a word, but to admit that there is abundant and untapped talent in Zimbabwe.
 The Zimbabwe under-20 showed character, skill, talent, determination and unity in their quest for glory. The Young Warriors showcased Zimbabwe’s potential of reaching the world cup finals in South Africa in 2010.
 To show their determination and commitment, the Young Warriors roared to glory without conceding a single goal from the first round of the tournament until the they reached the finals, before clinching the coverted trophy.
 As that was not enough, the youthful Zimbabwean side scored the highest number of goals in the tournament, which totalled 14. The Young Warriors wrapped up the fine cap when they grabbed almost all awards on offer, winning the goalkeeper of the tournament award, won the FIFA Fairplay Award as well as being the golden boys of the tournament, winning the gold medals each.
 Kennedy Machaka was crowned the goalkeeper of the tournament with prolific strikers Tafadzwa Rusike and Darryl Nyandoro finishing off the tournament as second top goalscorers of the tournament with four goals apiece.
 Captain Ovidy Karuru was the main man in the field of play, but also scored three brilliant goals to help Zimbabwe make history in South Africa’s one of the most poorest provinces of Mpumalanga.
 
Even the local media, that ruled them out in favour of their rich and well financed squad were left stuck as to what had hit their side.
 
The Zimbabwean youths ran riotous, bombarding the South Africans from left, right and centre as they powered three beautifully taken strikes by young and unheralded Knowlegde Musona. The 20 000 capacity stadium turned into grave as the host supporters did not know what exactly hit them.
 
The flawless kind of football displayed was second to none, but magnificent as the 20 000 seater Thulamahashe Stadium that was packed to capacity turned into a grave when the host team was humiliated, massacred and liquidated 3-0 before their home fans.
 
Even thousands of Zimbabweans, who posed as locals, especially the swazis, shangaans, pedi, sotho and zulus came out openly in the finals to support their beloved country.
 
“The boys played to instructions. I am proud of our boys. We did not concede any goals from the start to the end. That was marvelous, credit should go to the boys for showing character,” said coach Mathembe Ndlovu.
 
This time, the Young Warriors did not demand any hefty salaries, they did not boycott their flight back to Zimbabwe, they did not quarrel with their coaches but delivered when all odds were against them.
 
The Zimbabwean head of delegation, Tendai “Mr. T” Madzorere praised the Zimbabwean youths for bringing honour and glory to Zimbabwe.
 
Thousands, and millions others in the diaspora felt to be Zimbabweans for the first time, as the Young Warriors roared to victory, uniting the divided Zimbabweans, bringing happiness and hope to the down trodden nation-CAJ News.