Local is lekker for Ian Gorowa

Sport
Warriors coach Ian Gorowa says he does not need European-based players in forthcoming matches against Mozambique and South Africa next month.

Warriors coach Ian Gorowa says he does not need European-based players in forthcoming matches against Mozambique and South Africa next month.

REPORT BY MICHAEL MADYIRA

Zimbabwe play eastern neighbours Mozambique in a World Cup qualifier on September 8, before engaging Bafana Bafana in an international friendly match in Johannesburg two days later.

Having worked with home-based players in his two matches in charge of the Warriors so far, Gorowa, wants to further asses the locals in those matches.

The South African-based contingent would however be included as Gorowa’s plans seem centered on players based in that country.

“I will not include overseas-based players in the matches against Mozambique and South Africa,” said Gorowa.

“The idea is to give the local-based players as much exposure to international football against stronger sides. I also want to have a look at South African-based players. We have many players that side so I have to come up with the best. European-based players are already playing highly competitive football so they are not much needed in these matches.”

Of the players based in Europe, Czech Republic-based full-back Costa Nhamoinesu, who plays for respected Sparta Prague, could get a full chance under Gorowa.

“Hopefully, things will work positively. And I wish the team good luck,” said Nhamoinesu.

Bradley Pritchard of English Championship side Charlton Athletic could also make a break through after afforded a limited chance to prove himself under Rahman Gumbo before being snubbed by Klaus-Dieter Pagels.

Danish Super Liga side Brondby’s Quincy Antipas has had an inconsistent dance with the Warriors and is tipped to stake a claim in the team.

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is however taking the September 10 friendly international seriously despite Gorowa’s intention to employ only African-based players.

South Africa Football Association spokesperson Dominic Chimhavi however said the venue for the match is yet to be decided.

“The game looks on but nothing has been confirmed yet. Coach Gordon Igesund is interested in the game with Zimbabwe but no venue has been fixed yet. It’s the game Igesund has requested but nothing has been concluded yet, but very much in the pipeline on the aforementioned date. Hope this is in order,” Chimhavi told Standardsport.

Zimbabwe and South Africa have a closely-contested record in their 13 previous meetings, in which the former have five wins while the latter has prevailed six times.

Only two matches have ended in draws.

Zimabwe’s last visit to South Africa ended in a 3-0 heavy loss at Durban’s Moses Mabida Stadium in a sparring game in January 2010.

South Africa is familiar territory for Gorowa, a former Moroka swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns gaffer, who also worked as an assistant at Ajax Cape Town under Turk Muhsin Ertugral.

He also played for Cape Town Spurs in that country.

Friends of the warriors throw weight behind team Report by Our Staff

Friends of the Warriors through their leadership have thrown weight behind the current Warriors coach, Ian Gorowa and his troops, ahead of today’s Chan fixture against regional rivals Zambia.

The Warriors would be looking forward to end Chipolopolo’s dominance, as they surrendered the Cosafa Cup to the same team four weeks ago in Zambia. Friends of the Warriors secretary, Arnold Whande said the loss to Zambia last month was due to limited number of supporters that had travelled to cheer the boys.

“We have since taken it upon ourselves to make sure that the Warriors have maximum support wherever they go, especially in the region where we can bus people. We will be there tomorrow rallying behind the boys,” Whande said.

He added that plans for the return leg set for Ndola next week were already in progress.

“So far we have three buses that we have secured. We are still trying to run around and make them five. We are hopeful that if we travel to Zambia our boys will not be intimidated,” he added.