HARARE Warriors coach, Sunday Chidzambwa, is worried by Captain Benjani Mwaruwari's goal drought ahead of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers in September. Benjani has struggled to find the form that made him a potent striker at home, in South Africa and later France, with the forward yet to score for his new club, Sunderland. Chidzambwa, who is preparing to assemble a strong squad for the crucial qualifiers, said he was worried by his captain’s loss of form. “I am following all the players who are outside Zimbabwe as we prepare for this tournament,t but I am worried about Benjani’s loss of form. He is not at his best but I am confident he will soon find his feet. He is an inspirational figure in our team and we hope he will soon get into top gear,” said Chidzambwa.
Mwaruwari, Zimbabwes most experienced striker, moved to Sunderland from Manchester City on loan in order to get more game time, but a run of poor form has seen the Warriors danger-man playing only 101 minutes to date. According to statistics available on the Barclays Premier League clubs official website, the 31-year-old striker has been on the starting line-up only once and has featured as a substitute on four occasions. He failed to find the target in any of those instances.
The 2009/10 season is now turning out to be the worst season in his career, as he has only managed to score a single goal. Mwaruwaris move from Manchester City was prompted by his failure to command a regular place in a team that included the likes of Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor and former Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez. Mwaruwaris lack of form could also hit his international career with the Warriors, who are due to take part in African Cup of Nations qualifiers later on this year. Zimbabwe are in a tough group that also includes seasoned campaigners Mali and the Cape Verde.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News