HARARE - Soccer fans have launched a scathing attack against the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) for their failure to prepare the Warriors adequately for next week's 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Mali.
Norman Mapeza’s charges, who take on the Eagles of Mali in Harare on June 5, have not played a practice match ahead of the crucial time. The team was only expected to go into camp this weekend, just a week before they collide with Mali. Mali is already in South Africa in training camp before they fly out to Harare for the showdown with the Warriors. Amos Motsi a staunch CAPS United supporter said ZIFA was to blame if the Warriors failed to qualify.
“I think this is the worst ZIFA leadership that we have. Honestly where were they? They have failed to have the team in camp in time. If we fail to qualify they are to blame.” he said. John Rusere echoed the same sentiments. “What is disappointing is that ZIFA has failed to have the team play a practice match even with a local club. You cannot blame the coach because for the players to assemble there have to be resources first and this is ZIFA’s responsibility. They failed to play even against Motor Action or CAPS United. These people are not serious and that is why we are failing as a football nation,” he said.
Zimbabwe currently lie third in Group A with two points after two draws against Liberia (1-1) away and Cape Verde Islands (0-0) at home before the 1-0 loss to Mali in Bamako in March.
Squad: Goalkeepers: T Kapini, W Arubi, M Jani. Defenders: M Mwanjali, N Kaseke, T Sweswe, C Nhamoinesu, D Vheremu, Q Amin, G Mapemba, T Khumbuyani. Midfielders: T Nengomasha, E Nyandoro, V Nyoni, Q Antipas, K Billiart, J Majabvi, W Katsande, O Karuru.
Strikers: K Musona, N Mushekwi, E Sadomba, S Sithole.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News