Pagels’ team selection for next month’s World Cup qualifier away to Egypt has met a lot of criticism from fans, but Mwaruwari said recently that, with some patience, the German could restore national pride.
“The selected players can help the Warriors beat Egypt away because our opponents are also going through a rebuilding process,” said the former Manchester City striker, now playing for South African Premiership side Chippa United.
“We can beat most of the African sides, as we have quality players who play in good leagues, like Knowledge Musona, Archieford Gutu, Khama Billiat and Vusa Nyoni,” he said.
Despite a poor start, Benjani believed that the Warriors still had a good chance of making it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, but said this should not be the job of Pagels and his team alone. It was a collective effort from all Zimbabweans.
He ruled out any chance of playing for the national team again, after he held his testimonial match in Harare last year.
“I represented my country many times, so it is time I gave a chance to the younger players that are coming on so that they can take the game to another level. I can only help guide them here and there, maybe as an assistant coach or just a former player and former captain interested in the development of Zimbabwean soccer.”
Post published in: Football