Fabian Mudhegu-Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) seem to be putting its house in order as the preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers draw closer.
Die-hard supporters of the Zimbabwe National Football team, the Warriors, are set for a treat as their team participates in a four nation tournament slated for Lilongwe, Malawi from 18 to the 26th of March.
The tournament will pit the host nation’s football team, the Flames of Malawi against Chipolopolo of Zambia and the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars.
Seven time Confederation of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), champions, Zambia, will want to continue asserting its authority in Southern Africa Football as they take part in this eight day tournament organized by the respective countries’ governing football bodies, while Zimbabwe will want to quickly find its place in the football powerhouses of African football.
The U20s of the same teams will also take part in the tournament.
Zimbabwe is participating in this tournament so as to assist the Warriors to sharpen their skills ahead of June’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against, Lesotho and Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Later this year, the Warriors will participate in Qualifiers for the 2025 Afcon after missing the 2023 addition due to an 18-month FIFA ban which was imposed because of government interference in the country’s football matters.
Previously, coaches bemoaned lack of friendly matches for the Warriors. Croatian coach, Zdravko Logarusic, who at one time was in charge of the National team, failed to make any impact as ZIFA failed to arrange prerequisite friendly matches against formidable opponents so as to measure the strength and preparedness of the Warriors.
The National team would play against itself or local teams in preparation for big matches.
The lack of such friendlies dampened the Zimbabwe National team’s measure of preparedness in continental and international competitions.
Before Zdravko Logarusic left ahead of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers matches, the Croatian once said,
“It’s important to have at least a friendly match before we play the qualifiers to help us have an idea on the players that we can select for those crucial matches,” the gaffer said
This advise was never embraced by the powers at ZIFA, no friendly match was ever organized for the team during the World Cup qualifiers and the team performed dismally.
Maybe this time around reason has been knocked into ZIFA senses as the Warriors take part in this four nation tournament.
Set to don the National team colours are players like, Maverlous ‘Captain Marvel’ Nakamba, the Warriors skipper and Italian’s Stede Reims midfielder, Marshall Munetsi who have for years, been crying to be privileged the chance to shine for the nation.
In Rwanda just after Warriors clash with Nigeria, in a post match interview with the media, Marshall Munetsi had this to say,
“We need to play friendly matches so that we can be able to have an understanding and cohesion on the pitch because as you saw, for most of the guys, it was our first time playing with each other and I think it will be something good for us if we have more friendly games so that we understand each other better.”
Bulawayo based Street Set coach, an infant female team made comment on the Warriors’ participation in Malawi.
“Zim is coming from isolation. It’s okay for our team to play at this event.
The Street Set gaffer advised whoever will take over from Brito Baltermar whose contract was not renewed, to make use of foreign based players as a way of bringing new style of play to the team.
“It is very important [to participate in friendly matches] lets use correct players e.g those from the diaspora.
Let’s not use players that are used by agents. There is time to call Zim players of British origin during FIFA window.” Said Mangena.
Takudzwa Sambo, a Die-hard Warriors fan praised ZIFA for the arrangement, clarifying that friendly matches makes it easier for coaches to have a better understanding of the team.
“To the coaches, these friendlies builds team knowledge, to know the strength and weaknesses of players.
To players, [friendlies] builds linkups, knowledge, they are a moral booster. These matches gives us confidence. They are a platform for players to shine.
As supporters, we are happy we are now back with our team after a long run watching other nations while ours was under suspension.” said Sambo
As long as the friendly matches are availed, this will give players more game time to work on combinations.
For now, lest we forget, the Warriors do not have a coach as yet.
Zim GBC News ©2024