Harare — Zimbabwe's Warriors have thrown their weight behind caretaker coach Norman Mapeza and believe the former captain should be given a chance to continue leading the national team's technical department.

Mapeza was tasked with guiding the Warriors in their opening Group A match against Liberia in Monrovia on Sunday with Zifa indicating that they will announce a new coach by the time Zimbabwe play their next match against Cape Verde at home next month.

The Warriors forced a crucial 1-1 draw in Monrovia that has given them hope this could be another fruitful campaign. Zifa had, however, indicated that their head hunting mission for a substantive replacement for Sunday Chidzambwa would be complete by the time the Warriors play their first home match of the 2012 campaign.

But, after working closely with his new squad in preparation for the trip to Liberia, some of the players believe Mapeza should be given a chance to continue a campaign that is showing some promise.

Cyprus-based defender Noel Kaseke, who had a good game in Monrovia, believes Mapeza is capable of steering the Warriors ship in their Group which also includes the Eagles of Mali.

"In my opinion he should continue with the team. He chose the team that played, so considering the selection was done by him and the team did well it shows he has a good eye. "He made the right choices, produced a team within a few days that played well and could have won. "He motivated the players and the team spirit was just high. I came in late but what I saw in camp was amazing.

"Everyone was willing to go the extra mile for the team and there was commitment to do well. The pitch and the referee made it difficult to play but the team showed a strong mentality and I believe what made the biggest difference was the team spirit. "From what he has done, it should be appreciated," said Kaseke.

Kaseke, who plays as a defensive midfielder for Ligue One champions AC Omonoia, was a marvel to watch on the right where he never put a foot wrong. England-based leftback Onismor Bhasera also believes Mapeza can do the job.

"Continuity is always the best. But it is up to them. "I don't think they have to look for someone outside. He is capable so if possible why not give him the chance? I think he can do the job. "Most of the guys who played it was their first time to play in the Afcon qualifiers, so there was a lot of zeal and they needed to prove a point.

"We just trained for four days but had a marvellous performance," Bhasera said. Denmark-based Quincy Antipas, who was ruled out of the final squad due to an injury, also threw his weight behind the technical department. "I think the players have really connected well with the coach and it might be difficult under a new coach. The three coaches are doing well but it up to Zifa to decide," said Antipas.

Antipas also revealed his disappointment to miss the opening match. "It was very disappointing for me because I was looking forward to play again after I played against Brazil. I was very keen but football is teamwork and I am happy that the team played well. "I am at a new club and have played four matches and I have already scored," said Antipas.

As the players troop back to their bases, Mapeza can only wait to hear of his fate from Zifa with the association's leadership expected to meet soon to review the Warriors' first game.