Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE captain Marvellous Nakamba says the Warriors are heading to Morocco with purpose, belief and want to prove a point.
They are determined shake off their AFCON group stage hoodoo. After two weeks of preparations in Harare, the Warriors leave later today for Morocco where they will make their sixth appearance at Africa’s biggest football tournament.
Nakamba believes the responsibility to deliver now rests squarely with the players.
“On behalf of the Warriors, I would like to say to our Government, thank you for recognising sport as a tool for unity, pride, and opportunity,” Nakamba said.
“To ZIFA, we acknowledge the renewed effort to build a progressive and competitive football environment.
“To our sponsors, your investment fuels our preparations and strengthens our belief.
“And to the people of Zimbabwe, your passion is our motivation. You are the reason we fight. As players, we understand the responsibility we carry.
“We go to Morocco with humility, discipline, and determination. We are not travelling as tourists. We are travelling as competitors.”
The Warriors have been drawn in Group B alongside COSAFA rivals South Africa and Angola, as well as seven-time African champions Egypt, a section that offers no easy passage.
On paper, Zimbabwe face a tough assignment, but there is quiet confidence that this squad can finally rewrite the script.
ZIFA have placed their trust in new coach Marian “Super Mario” Marinica, whose pedigree includes guiding Malawi into the knockout stages for the first time at the 2021 AFCON finals in Cameroon.
The tournament kicks off on Sunday in Morocco and runs until January 18, with matches spread across nine stadiums in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes and Tangier.
The Warriors will be based in Marrakech but begin their campaign next Monday against Egypt at the 45 000 seater Grand Stade d’Agadir, about 250 kilometres from their base.
They then return to Marrakech to face Angola on Boxing Day at the Grand Stade de Marrakech before wrapping up the group with the Limpopo Derby against South Africa on December 29, again at the same venue.
“We will respect every opponent, but we will not fear anyone,” Nakamba said.
“We cannot promise goals, but we can promise we will fight. We can promise sweat. We can promise unity. We will give everything for the badge and for the flag that raised us,
“We carry your hopes to Morocco, and we aim to make the nation proud.”
The top two teams from each of the six groups qualify automatically for the last 16, along with the four best third placed sides.
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