The Warriors were all supposed to have been in camp by end of day Monday but a visit to the team’s training ground at Rufaro Stadium Tuesday revealed only 14 players in training including three goalkeepers with team manager Nyika Chifamba explaining that most of the players would arrive Wednesday and those late by Thursday morning, just two days before the crucial game.
Even national team coach Rahman Gumbo refused to talk about his team to the huge band of journalists present at Rufaro Stadium contending that he will only be able to so once the whole team was in shape.
“We are expecting those from South Africa to arrive by Wednesday. Quincy Antipas and Archierford Gutu have been delayed due to flight complications. Knowledge Musona is coming on Wednesday or Thursday morning,” said Chifamba.
Surprisingly, Tapuwa Kapini, Tinashe Nengomasha, and Carlington Nyadoma were Tuesday still holed up in South Africa when the likes of Khama Billiart, Oscar Machapa, Arnold Chaka and Abas Amidu who play in the same league arrived Sunday.
Takesure Chinyama and Esrom Nyandoro arrived later Tuesday evening. On the contrary, their opponents Angola are in South Africa since Sunday and are waiting the arrival of Gilberto who plays in Cyprus before travelling to Zimbabwe Friday.
Reports from Angola have suggested that the Black Antelopes want a short stay in Zimbabwe for fear of ill treatment before Sunday’s game.
African football dictates that a team that wins convincingly at home usually qualifies for the finals but events on the ground suggest that Zimbabwe are not taking advantage of playing at home where they need a goal harvest ahead of the return leg in Luanda during the weekend of October 12 to 14.
The team that wins the two games will qualify for the finals to be held in South Africa in 2013.
Post published in: Football