The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
THE Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa endorsed Warriors coach Kallisto Pasuwa before urging skipper Hardlife Zvirekwi to have a heart of a lion as the country’s flagship team was sent off to the CHAN finals in grand style last Friday night.
It was a colourful event, befitting for the gallant Warriors who are making a fourth consecutive appearance at the biennial continental tournament meant for players plying their trade in their local leagues.
Newfound Warriors benefactor Wicknell Chivhayo donated $20 000, Zifa president Philip Chiyangwa chipped in with $10 000 for the players’ upkeep in Rwanda and the players, led by their cheerleaders Lawrence Mhlanga and Rodreck Mutuma, responded with some powerful dressing room songs.
Speaking on behalf of President Mugabe, Vice President Mnangagwa – who briefly assumed the role of Warriors technical advisor – also took his time to impart some few tips to the Warriors defensive players.
The Acting President, who challenged the Warriors to bring home the CHAN trophy, got into the tactical nitty-gritty of the game, much to the amazement of the sores of football’s who is who present at the ceremony.
“Kallisto Pasuwa, let me assure you, we have great belief in you. We as government believe the team is up to the challenge,” said the Acting President.
This was a huge endorsement for Pasuwa, who has had a hide and seek engagement with his employers over a permanent contract. The record breaking coach enjoys massive sympathy from the local football fraternity as evidenced by the public outcry that followed his abrupt sacking and rehiring by Zifa in December last year.
Pasuwa was humbled.
He is aware the expectations of the nation continue to heighten by each passing day as the Warriors gear for their opening Group D match against Zambia in the Zambezi Derby on Tuesday.
“To have a man from the highest offices gracing this occasion humbles me. It is very rare that you have the Acting President devoting his time to such events.
“The pressure is upon us now to deliver,” Pasuwa said, just before rushing to the Airport to catch the 2AM flight yesterday.
Acting President Mnangagwa, who let out his passion for the beautiful game during his speech, also had a few motivational words for Warriors captain Zvirekwi.
“It has been said that the squad is star studded but I believe the team will play as unit
“Captain Hardlife Zvirekwi, stand up…young man you are carrying the burden of Zimbabwe.
“Use your experience from the previous CHAN tournament and other high pressure games you have played to keep the team focused even when the chips are down,” said the Acting President.
He then got into the tactical details.
“We look forward to innovation and creativity in midfield, precision in the strike force and of course water tight defence at the back… durawall.
“Go and enjoy, bring jubilation to the nation, fight as a disciplined team, a united team.
“Luck comes after you have put in hard work,” he said to rapturous applause.
There is a sweet vibe playing in the national game, it is early days yet to predict the future but the Acting President foresees good times ahead under the leadership of Chiyangwa.
Acting President Mnangagwa described the Zifa president as an energetic individual with lots of brilliant ideas.
“This man, you call him what, Captain Chaos, oh Captain Fiasco, when I was the Secretary of Finance in the party (Zanu-PF), and I needed somebody who was bright, I settled for Philip and I had to rest for 10 years.
“He works hard, each day, every day he would come with a new idea, if he still has that energy he will take this game far.
“I commend the Zifa leadership and its partners for the industrious preparations
“Go Warriors Go, Go Warriors Go . . . mugonzvenga, mugonzvenga, mugonzvenga, mogohwesa.”
