Pasuwa happy but cautious

17 Jan, 2016 - 00:01 0 Views
Pasuwa happy but cautious 4-2-3-1 FORMATION . . . Warriors coach Kallisto Pasuwa (left) discusses some tactics with his assistants Saul Chaminuka and Nation Dube (centre) during a training session at the National Sports Stadium’s B Arena last week — Picture by Kudakwashe Huda

The Sunday Mail

Ishemunyoro Chingwere
WARRIORS coach Kallisto Pasuwa feels humbled by the backing the country’s flagship team has received ahead of its fourth consecutive African Nations Championship (Chan) appearance and the record breaking gaffer believes the team now owes the nation a strong showing in Rwanda.

4-2-3-1 FORMATION . . . Warriors coach Kallisto Pasuwa (left) discusses some tactics with his assistants Saul Chaminuka and Nation Dube (centre) during a training session at the National Sports Stadium’s  B Arena last week — Picture by Kudakwashe Huda

4-2-3-1 FORMATION . . . Warriors coach Kallisto Pasuwa (left) discusses some tactics with his assistants Saul Chaminuka and Nation Dube (centre) during a training session at the National Sports Stadium’s B Arena last week — Picture by Kudakwashe Huda

Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa officiated at the Warriors send off on behalf of President Mugabe a few hours before the first batch of the team’s travelling party flew out to Gisenyi, Rwanda yesterday after 2am.
The first batch of the travelling party, which included 23 players and officials, touched down in Kigali a few minutes before lunch time after a journey that saw them make a brief stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Pasuwa, who had been accustomed to working with a largely neglected team, was encouraged by the national rallying call for the Warriors and said his boys are alive to the magnitude of expectation that they leave back home.
The Warriors, who begin their campaign with a cagey tie against a Christopher Katongo led Chipolopolo on Tuesday, are under pressure to better the semi final stage which was achieved by the class of 2014 or at the very least replicate those heroics.
Zimbabwe will play vengeful Mali on January 23 before completing their group matches with a date against unpredictable Uganda four days later.
Uganda national team coach Micho carries a squad largely made up of the same players doing an impressive job for The Cranes in both the 2018 Fifa World Cup and 2017 Afcon qualifiers while the Malians are eager to avenge their 1-2 quarterfinal defeat against the Warriors at the 2014 Chan finals.
The Cranes lead Group D of the 2017 Afcon qualifiers ahead of Burkina Faso, Botswana and minnows Comorors.
However, Pasuwa reckons the new vibe around the team has to be carefully managed lest captain Hardlife Zvirekwi, the only survivor from the previous tourney, and his men buckle under pressure.
“We are very humbled by the send off that we were given. It’s not something you get every day that a whole Acting President leaves his very busy schedule to attend to you,” said Pasuwa.
“Every member of the team appreciated the expectations amongst the fans and our leaders and thus will strive to achieve what is expected of us.
“It seems like everybody came out to wish us well and show their support, but then there is a danger that if we don’t manage well, we might end up putting pressure on the boys.
“We need to be cautious with them (players) and tell them to take it easy just like what we were doing from the qualifiers,” he said.
Pasuwa, who was the first assistant to Ian Gorowa at the 2014 Chan finals, said the fans should not base much of their expectation on the achievements at the preceding tournament as this is now a different ball game, with different players.
The former Dynamos coach is gunning for a strong start against Zambia but the gaffer is aware of the unpredictability of the Zambezi Derby.
“A victory against Zambia will put us in good stead but matches against our northern neighbours have always been tough ones. Remember, not long ago, they (Zambia) won the biggest football prize on the continent (Afcon 2012),” said Pasuwa.
Zambia have been leaving no stone unturned in their preparations which saw them holding a training camp in South Africa where they played against Angola and CAF Champions League bound Absa Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns.
On the other hand, the Warriors did not partake in an international friendly matches and their initial six week training program was cut to just over three weeks.
Pasuwa however refused to focus on the negatives, opting to concentrate on the positives.
The Warriors who took off with a promise to share all their prize monies and a reported US$100 winning bonus per match should be encouraged by wording coming from their biggest benefactor Wicknell Chivhayo.
“Go and win the tournament and I will give you more,” said Chivhayo who donated $20 000 at the send off ceremony on Friday night.

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