Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Augustine Hwata
3 May 2008
Harare — The Real Warriors will have to stand up and be counted at Gwanzura tomorrow when Zimbabwe's Warriors face off Namibia's Brave Warriors in the newly-introduced African Nations Championship.
The match will also be Valinhos' first competitive game since taking over as the Zimbabwe coach in January and, more importantly, it will be the Brazilian's first game on home soil.
So far, Valinhos has taken charge of two away international friendlies, losing 2-1 to South Africa in Germiston and then edging Botswana 1-0 in Gaborone.
Now Valinhos will be fighting a battle from two fronts, trying to win the game against the Brave Warriors on one end and to convince the Zimbabwean fans that he is the right man for the job on the other front.
More importantly for Valinhos, the game tomorrow will give him the perfect platform to prepare his squad ahead of bigger competitions like the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers getting underway next month.
The reverse fixture for the Nations Championships is set for Namibia and Valinhos will also use the game to finalise on the locally based players he would like to blend with foreign-based professionals in the cauldron of Conakry against Guinea in June.
The Nations Championships, open to players who ply in their domestic leagues, will be used as a development forum for players with the finals set for Cote d'Ivoire in November next year.
Warriors assistant manager Charles "Mafripa" Dzvairo yesterday hinted that they had decent preparations despite camp being disrupted by the local league games.
Dzvairo said the technical team would hold another light training session this morning at Motor Action Sports Club before Valinhos names the final 18 for duty tomorrow.
"So far everything has been so good for us. I am happy that the players have responded well to training and all those whom we have called turned up.
"Energy Murambadoro and Method Mwanjali have also joined in after playing in the league game yesterday (Thursday)," he said.
Dynamos midfielder Justice Majabvi, striker Edward Sadomba, the Highlanders trio of Gilbert Banda, Zephaniah Ngodzo and Cuthbert Malajila, CAPS United's David Kutyauripo also rejoined camp yesterday after being involved in midweek ties.
Dynamos' hero from Sunday's game, Desmond Maringwa, is doubtful because of an injury.
"The boys are geared up for the game and we are positive of a good result.
"We will train lightly at Motor Action tomorrow (today) and after that session the technical team will trim the squad.
"There is no session in the afternoon because we want to give our support to the Under-20 team playing against Lesotho," said Dzvairo.
In his squad for tomorrow, Valinhos is likely to give Murambadoro a place in the starting line-up with Washington Arubi giving cover while Chapungu's Edmore Sibanda could be dropped.
Zhaimu Jambo looks set to play as the left-back with Banda being one of the two centre-backs while Majabvi, Ovidy Karuru, Clement Matawu and Tarisayi Nyamunamwendo battle for places in midfield.
Sadomba and Majalila can get the nod in attack as Zimbabwe seek a comfortable win.
While Zimbabwe are under pressure to get a win, Namibia's Dutch coach Arie Schan said he would be comfortable with a goalless draw.
Speaking after a training session at Gwanzura yesterday, Schans showed great respect for Zimbabwe.
"This is a new competition being played on a home-and-away basis.
"In this case we are starting away and are at a disadvantage, but I hope that we will avoid conceding an away goal and then win at home.
"Obviously we are aiming for the best result, being a win in this case, but we will be more than happy with a 0-0 scoreline and then win in the return leg," said Schan.
Schan joined the Brave Warriors in January this year, taking over from the late Zambian coach Ben Bamfuchile.
The Dutchman took charge for the three games at the Nations Cup finals in Ghana and two friendlies against Botswana (0-0) and Malawi (3-1).
"I am still relatively new to the Namibia team but so far I am happy with the response from the players. Yes, we lost against Malawi in the last game but that is past now and after all, it was not a serious game.
"We noted some shortcomings in the preparatory games and have since improved in those areas.
"My main worry still remains the physical fitness of the players, but we are working on that as we seek to build the best team for the World Cup and Nations Cup finals," said Schans.
Schans said he does not know much about Zimbabwean football.
"I do not know anything about my opponents, but from what I have read, Dynamos beat African Champions Etoile and from that result, I know the standards here should be quite high.
"But at least I am also happy with the kind of preparations we have made although one of the key players (Luther) Kanalelo was injured," said the Dutchman.
Civics goalkeeper Esau Tjiouro, Pirates' Johannes Seibeb, striker Arend von Stryk of Cymot SKW and Edward Damaseb of Mighty Gunners are part of the 18 players who trained yesterday.
Meanwhile, Zifa are charging a modest $80 million for the rest of the ground, $150 million for the lower western stands and $500 million for the VIP section.
A capacity crowd is expected at Gwanzura.
Zimbabwe squad
E. Murambadoro, W. Arubi, E. Sibanda, D. Kutyauripo, T. Magorimbo, Z. Ngodzo, Z. Jambo, S. Mutenheri, G. Banda, D. Veremu, P. Gubudu, C. Machona, C. Matawu, O. Karuru, J. Majabvi, E. Meleka, M. Mwanjali, S. Kahondo, T. Nyamunamwendo, P. Tafirenyika, C. Malajila, E. Sadomba, T. Nyamandwe, A. Dzukamanja.
Namibia
Athiel Mbaha, Esau Tjiuoro, Chris Katjiukua, Michael Pienaar, Gottlieb Nakuta, Jamu Ngatjizeko, Steven Goaxab, Jeremia Baisako, Tobias Mekondjo, Victor Helu, Brian Brendell, Tugela Tuyeni, Da Costa Angula, Johannes Seibeb, Arend von Stryk, Muna Katupose, Floris Diergaardt, Edward Damaseb.
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