Flames to test Warriors pedigree

27 Sep, 2020 - 00:09 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Sports Reporter

AFTER a long spell in his native Croatia, Warriors coach Zdravko “Loga” Logarušic is expected back in the country this week, to kick-start Zimbabwe’s preparations for their back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against African champions Algeria in November.

With Covid-19 having halted all football activities, Loga had returned to Croatia to be closer to his family while awaiting the green light for the game to resume.

Loga — appointed to the Warriors post in January — had barely knuckled down when football was suspended in March, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

But, as the spread of Covid-19 seem to have been contained, a lot of sporting activities, including football, are gradually coming to life.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) have announced the resumption of the AFCON qualifiers and set new dates for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament, which has now been rescheduled for Cameroon in January next year.

Crucially for Loga as he makes his way back to Harare, is the need to get his Warriors back together ahead of their top-of-the-table clashes against the Desert Foxes.

Zimbabwe will travel to Algeria on November 9, before hosting the Desert Foxes on November 17.

As part of preparations for the crucial ties, Zimbabwe will play Malawi in a friendly match at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on October 11.

The Warriors were also eyeing another friendly against Kenya’s Harambee Stars during the October international break, but that match failed to materialise.

ZIFA indicated that they had received an invitation from Kenya last week, but the association’s communications and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela, yesterday said the proposed friendly had fallen through.

“What has been confirmed is the date against The Flames of Malawi, although both FAs are now waiting for authorisation from both CAF and FIFA.

“Kenya is now off . . . we now play Malawi.

“As for when we will start camp, that can only be known once we get the authorisation from both CAF and FIFA.

“However, we have begun the logistics for the friendly against Malawi.

“The coach (Logarušic) is expected back home in the next few days,” said Gwesela.

Malawi Football Association competitions and communications director, Gomezgani Zakazaka, also told The Sunday Mail Sport that the Flames, who are currently in camp, were bracing for a date against the Warriors.

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