The Sunday Mail
Makomborero Mutimukulu in CAIRO, EGYPT
Devine Lunga’s divine form has had Ronald Pfumbidzai rolling up his sleeves while patiently waiting for his chance in the Warriors starting XI.
If there is a position that the Warriors technical team does not lose sleep on, it is the left full back position where Lunga and Pfumbidzai have been doing the business. “The competition between us is intense but healthy for the team. We are helping each other get better by competing for one position,” said Pfumbidzai who is likely to get his first 2019 Africa Cup of Nations feel tonight.
Lunga, who started and played 90 minutes against Egypt and Uganda, has been floored by a knee injury and is doubtful for the clash against DR Congo at the 30 June Stadium.
Naturally coach Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa has turned to Pfumbidzai as he seeks to set up a defence that will keep the hitherto winless and goalless DRC at bay. Pfumbidzai, who opened the scoring when the Warriors stunned the Leopards 2-1 in Kinshasa in an Afcon qualifier in October last year, is geared up for the challenge and knows that he can bank on Lunga’s advice as usual. “The way we operate with Devine is that of always putting the team first. At halftime who ever will be playing will come to the guy who is on the bench to ask for a few pointers. There is no jealousy but mutual respect.
“We have both been doing our homework on DRC. We have watched their matches against Uganda and Egypt. We have also watched, again, the qualifiers we played against them and are ready for this one,” said Pfumbidzai.
Drama has not been far away from the Warriors doorstep at this Afcon tournament.
Each of the past two matches have been preceded by bonus wrangles while talk of several players risking being sent home because of social media shenanigans have added to the intrigue.
However, amid all that hullabaloo, Pfumbidzai reiterates that the Class of 2019 knows what is at stake. “We know that history will be made if we qualify for the knockout stages and that is something that is really driving us,” said the Warriors defender. “We worked hard to be at this tournament and do not want to go back home just as yet. This is where the big boys play and we want to be part of this party until the day the final is played.”
Meanwhile, a longer stay in this country of an estimated 97, 5 million people will mean that Pfumbidzai will continue asking his wife to send pictures of their dogs on WhatsApp.
“I am the Dogfather,” said the 24-year old Bloemfontein Celtic man.
“I decided to keep dogs when burglars got into my home and made away with some valuables. At first it was just a way of enhancing security at home but it has since grown into a strong relationship, I have fallen in love with them.
“When I am at home during the offseason I drive around with my boerboles and when I am going back to work or going on national duty I tell them to behave…they tend to misbehave when I am not at home.”
