Forget about the Warriors’ slow start to their preparations for today’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Syli Nationale of Guinea at Rufaro Stadium.
Michael Kariati
This is nothing new to Zimbabwean football and by now, we should all be used to these sort of preparations and accept that this has become part and parcel of our football.
What’s important is to look back at what the Zimbabwean team has done in the past under such circumstances and have faith that the Warriors will come out victors and once again send us celebrating after the 90 minutes of play.
Nobody expected the Warriors to travel to Malawi by bus and come out with that vital 2-1 win. Nobody thought the Warriors would at the last minute travel and arrive a few hours before the game — and grind a good result against the Comoros in their 2016 African Nations Championships qualifier. But they did!
So, we should have belief that our team can produce good results under such daunting circumstances and have the conviction that against the Syli Nationale, they will do it for us.
If the Warriors collect three points against the Syli Nationale, I am prepared to bet the few dollars I have that Kalisto Pasuwa will join Sunday Chidzambwa and Charles Mhlauri in sending the Warriors to the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Pasuwa is a man who declares his principles through the performance of his team. He is a man who can let his ambitions soar while keeping his feet on the ground. With four successive Castle Lager Premier Soccer League titles under his belt, Pasuwa has time and time again proved his mettle.
He knows that qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations finals will surely make him the most successful football coach to have come out of Zimbabwean football. That is why he wants to beat the Syli Nationale and for that matter, convincingly.
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I am not a fan of Zifa, but it is important to give credit where it is due. Zifa should be applauded for their efforts in sourcing the required funds to pay Pasuwa and persuade him to return to the Warriors fold.
There is also a plus on the part of the football federation as Zifa have seen reason not to increase gate charges and have allowed fans to pay the normal $3 for the cheapest seat in the stadium.
Those who can afford, however, should purchase the $10 VIP ticket, which I think is reasonably priced. There is also the option of the $5 seats.
The football association needs to pay for services provided before the game, and also to pay the players after the match. Zifa relies on gate fees for survival and this game provides them with a good enough opportunity for them to have surplus funds to cater even for the next international match, or to pay the coach.
After the Syli Nationale visit, we will play back-to-back matches against Swaziland and we will need funds to ensure that the Warriors are well-covered in terms of airfares and allowances.
Rufaro Stadium is a central venue with relatively less expenses compared to the National Sports Stadium. So, we should this afternoon all be at the stadium to rally behind the Warriors.
Talent floods the Warriors’ changing room with players like Knowledge Musona, Partson Jaure, Khama Billiat, Matthew Rusike, Nyasha Mushekwi, Cuthbert Malajila, and Costa Nhamoinesu being among the men that represent Zimbabwe today. We should not, however, put pressure on the Warriors as they should play their game as the coach instructed them to do. We should let them play their normal game and allow them to be easy, free, and raring to go.
Our part would be to cheer them on even when things are not going right as the game of football is won after 90 minutes.
This is our chance after missing out in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, and lately 2015. A win today will set the tone for the remainder of our campaign and bring us closer to qualification.
This is our game for the taking. With our support, the Warriors will not disappoint. Go Warriors Go.
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