Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa has spoken out about his style of play, dismissing those who criticise him as being “old fashioned”.
BY HENRY MHARA IN SUN CITY, SOUTH AFRICA
The critics argue that the former Dynamos gaffer, arguably the best coach that the country has ever produced, values substance over style.
“All those who are saying I’m a defensive coach are not telling the truth. If I was defensive as they say, I would not have qualified for all the continental tournaments. I wouldn’t have won the championship with Dynamos and also getting to the CAF Champions League final with the team. I qualified to the Afcon finals in 2003, so those who say that must revisit their knowledge about football,” said Chidzambwa.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that but for me, the most important thing is to go to a match knowing exactly the way you have to play and what you have to do. I would prefer for my team to play and win 1-0 than to win 5-4.”
Chidzambwa’s style of play at the ongoing Cosafa Castle tournament here in South Africa, might as well have vindicated his claims.
The Warriors have been the best team of the tournament so far, winning four of their five matches, scoring an incredible 16 goals in the process in their way to qualifying for today’s final against Zambia. The match is set for the Bafokeng Sports Palace, at 3pm.
So dominant has been the Warriors in this tournament that its players have shared among themselves four of the five Man of the Match awards.
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Skipper Ovidy Karuru, who has won the accolade twice, is the leading goal scorer with six goals, and is followed by teammate Knox Mutizwa who has four goals and co-captain, Ocean Mushure, playing in a more advanced position here, weighing in with three.
It is against that background that many neutrals are tipping the Warriors to go all the way, and bag their fifth Cosafa title, which would be a record. Zambia has also won the tournament four times before, and a win this afternoon, would see them surpassing their opponents.
Chidzambwa, who is also chasing a record for the coach with the most Cosafa titles, having won twice before, is feeling a little bit apprehensive ahead of the match.
“I’m under pressure for each and every game we play, so this one is no exception. I would love to win the Cup, and because of the record we are chasing, just thinking about that puts me under so much pressure. It becomes very difficult for me every minute as we approach the game,” said Chidzambwa.
He is however confident that his side will prevail, against the side he beat in 2009 in Harare, the last time Zimbabwe won the Cosafa Cup.
“Our preparations for the final have gone very well. We played the semi-finals on Wednesday so we have had days to rest. Those days we have not been playing should be enough to prepare well,” he said.
“I’m expecting a very difficult match. Zambia are a very good side, solid at the back and technically good. They are also physical and so we will have to fight hard to try and match them.”
While Zimbabwe has been brilliant going forward, there were worrying moments in their match against Lesotho, with the defence cracking every time they were put under pressure.
In the end, they conceded three goals in the match, for a total four this far.
Zambia would have noticed the weakness of the Warriors in that match, with their assistant coach Aggrey Chiyangi declaring they will be looking to expose the defensive frailties.
“The best way to stop them is by scoring. They are a good side but their defence is not all that good, so we can capitalise on that,” Chiyangi said.
Chidzambwa yesterday said he will make some adjustments at the back with Bruce Homora set to start at the centreback alongside Jimmy Tigere. Liberty Chakoroma will be reverting back to his holding midfield position to partner Gerald Takwara.
Goalkeeper George Chigova, who missed the Lesotho match is certain to reclaim his Number One jersey.
Warriors probable 11
G Chigova, E Chipeta, B Homora, J Tigere, H Moyo, L Chakoroma, G Takwara, O Mushure, O Karuru, T Chawapiwa, K Mutizwa