The Sunday Mail
Zimbabwe finds itself in the middle of another painful soul-searching exercise following the Warriors’ shameful exit from the 2015 Afcon qualifiers at the hands of continental lightweights Tanzania.
Much flak has been thrown at Zifa’s doorstep while thousands have called for the axing of coach Ian Gorowa.
However, as the introspection moves from one step to the other, the performance and quality of the men Gorowa trusted with last Sunday’s Operation Kilimanjaro deserves an analysis.
Is the current crop of Warriors worthy to wear the respected national jersey, or what we have today is a team of overrated players with mercenary instincts?
The Warriors decision to boycott training on the eve of the match as they pushed for a review of their bonuses and daily allowances paints a picture of a group that is putting money before national interest.
That intrinsic desire to win against odds, respect for the national flag and strength of character seem to be lacking among the players.
All the players the country fielded last Sunday faded as the game went on, none among them was ready to step to the plate and turn the tide in the country’s favour.
Giant keeper George Chigova, for all the rave reviews he receives at Dynamos, fell short on the big stage as he let in two soft goals with one going in through his near post.
A rating of 3 / 10 would be appropriate for the keeper who can’t exploit his height to cut crosses.
The centre back pair of skipper Partson Jaure and Eric Chipeta was a bit jittery while questions are abound over the continued use of Highlanders forward Milton Ncube as a makeshift left back and the suitability of Hardlife Zvirekwi’s height at right back.
Willard Katsande and Danny Phiri provided a ray of hope at the heart of the midfield, but the creativity side lacked drastically.
The Warriors struggled without a playmaker and the situation was not helped either by Gorowa’s decision to continue using two defensive linkmen when the Warriors were chasing the game.
Zimbabwe never shifted a gear up as expected of a team in search of two goals in the latter stage of the game. A rating of 4 / 10 befits crowd favourite Denver Mukamba who did not live up to his billing.
The former Dynamos man’s immature show-boating stunts were not ideal for such a serious occasion. Belgium-based creative linkman Ovidy Karuru remains a viable option as he showed glimpses of intelligence, but it seems the Warriors will always struggle upfront when Knowledge Musona is absent.
Expecting much from Tendai Ndoro, who plays for modest Super Diski side Mpumalanga Aces, and Cuthbert Malajila, who is no longer assured starter status at Mamelodi Sundowns, could be detrimental.
National team goals continue to elude Libya-based Edward Sadomba.
Sadomba set up Phiri for the opener, but fizzled out just like the rest of his teammates.
Paul Gundani, a member of Reinhard Fabisch’s Dream Team of the early 90s, arguably the most revered Warriors ensemble, has questioned the attitude of the current national team players.
“You don’t see the fighting spirit, the players are easily broken and they no longer respect the National Sports Stadium like we did.
“Their commitment is questionable. As a player, there is no honour that supersedes playing for one’s country and sometimes it is better to demand more money after performing well,” said Gundani.
A new breed of Warriors is badly needed!
