Zimbabwe warriors loaded with belief

The only side from COASAFA region remaining in the 3rd Orange African Nations Championship –South Africa 2014, the Warriors of Zimbabwe are in buoyant mood ahead of their semi-final clash against Libya on Wednesday 29th. The Warriors took time to speak with Cafonline.com after a training session at Siwelele Park, (Bloemfontein Celtic training ground).

Warriors coach, Ian Gorowa said he and his backroom staff have been bombarded with requests about Zimbabwean players but they have insisted interested parties will only speak with players after the tournament. “From the beginning l told the players we return home on the 2nd of February. They have believed this and taken it on board and we remain focused to do well in this tournament”

Gorowa says the support from the Zimbabweans living in South Africa has been tremendous and made it a home away from home atmosphere, “We sincerely appreciate the Zimbabweans who have thronged to the stadium in Cape Town to support the team and we are expecting the same following here in Bloemfontein. As the only Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region team left in CHAN competition it has been a joy to have fellow SADC nations, like South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Lesotho , Mozambique , Swaziland and others behind the Warriors. We feel we have the region cheering us on and we intend to represent them as best as we can”

Zimbabwe has built its success on a mean defence that was only breached once in four games, (when Mali scored in Zim’s 2-1 win in the quarter final) ” We have been solid at the back and midfielder Danny Phiri has done a good job l protecting the back four. It is a platform from which we used to build our attack, which has improved with each game. In football if you don’t concede goals, then you have got a chance of scoring. That has been our philosophy and so far we have defended well and come.

Wednesday we will be ready for Libya. We are fully aware of Libya’s pedigree and they are a good side who has reached this far by playing well. It will be tough encounter but one that l hope will serve some good football and Zimbabwe is ready to play its part” concluded Gorowa.

The Warriors meet Libya at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Wednesday in the first of the two semi-finals to be followed by Ghana versus Nigeria. The kicks off times are 17h00 and 20h30 respectively.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) News