HARARE The Warriors take to the field this afternoon looking for nothing short of victory against Swaziland, stand-in captain Method Mwanjali has said, brushing aside the pressure that should come with playing away from home. (Pictured: Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambw
Mwanjali, who led the Warriors in their 3-1 victory over Zambia last year to clinch the Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup glory, said the team was prepared both mentally and physically for the crucial African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier first leg tie against Swaziland at Simohlohlo stadium in Mbabane. The CAPS United utility player said morale was high in their camp and that the team was ready to face Swaziland in their own backyard.
“Sometimes it’s a disadvantage to play away from home because you need the support of fans to cheer on the team but it is also important for us to win away from home. I think the team has the character to do that,” Mwanjali told The Zimbabwean on Sunday before the team’s departure to Swaziland. Zimbabwe, who made their debut at the CHAN finals in Cte dIvoire last year, are seeking a second straight appearance at the CHAN tournament to be held in Sudan next year. Mwanjali also said the Warriors were not reading too much from the problems in their opponents’ camp.
The Swaziland camp is reported be in turmoil with South African coach Shakes Mashaba under pressure from Swaziland fans to deliver after a spate of dreadful results. The Warriors go into battle today bouyed by their 2-1 victory over the Flames of Malawi in an international friendly in Harare earlier this month. They will be hoping to build on that victory as they seek another appearance at the CHAN finals. Last year the Warriors bowed out of the tournament after they finished third in their group in which they managed three points after three draws.
Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa has retained the core side of the team that lifted the regional Cosafa Senior Challenge Cup with the notable absentees being the Monomotapa duo of Chris Semakweri and Muthulis Maphosa who have since joined DRC outfit TP Mazembe.
Former Dynamos striker Philip Marufu who was also part of the squad that lifted the regional trophy is now also in DRC with FC Lupopo. This means Chidzambwa will be banking on the creative genious of CAPS United midfielder Tafadzwa Rusike who had a memorable game in an international friendly against Malawi in which he scored the two goals that counted for Zimbabwe to see off their neighbours.
Post published in: Football