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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Under-23 assistant coach Saul Chaminuka believes their international friendly encounter against Botswana has given them a starting point from which to lay the platform for a strong Warriors squad. Chaminuka was in charge of the Young Warriors in Botswana on Tuesday when they fell 0-1 to Zebras side at the National Stadium in Gaborone in a match that was part of that country’s 48th Independence Day celebrations.

The ZPC Kariba coach said he was more concerned with the team’s overall performance than the result and reckoned that skipper Ronald Pfumbidzai and troops had given a good account of themselves.

Chaminuka is part of a technical crew that is headed by Dynamos gaffer Callisto Pasuwa and includes Hwange’s Nation Dube.
Zifa are hoping to put in place a strong Under-23 squad that will compete in the Olympic Games qualifiers as well as the qualifying campaign for the All-Africa Games and, in the process, lay the foundation for a new-look Warriors. side.

Chaminuka said despite the short notice they had to assemble the traveling party, he was happy with what he saw in Gaborone.
“The team did quite well considering that they were playing together for the first time but they showed character and it was unfortunate we did not win the game,” said Chaminuka.
“They played as if they have been together for some time with some impressive displays. The youngsters had a few opportunities in the first half.

“We had several players who turn out for FC Platinum who all started and that helped the team to have a shape.
“If we can make the nucleus of the team with those FC Platinum young players I tell you we will be on the right track.

“The Zebras wanted to catch us on a counter-attack but we thwarted most of the raids. We played against the wind in the first half but we managed to continue pressing our opponents.”
The ZPC Kariba coach said they noted some grey areas.

“We are just hoping that we have more time to work with the young players and make sure that we spread the nets to all the corners of the country,” said Chaminuka.
“There are some talented young players who have never had an opportunity to showcase their talent so, if given the chance, we will cast our nets wide.

“We need time to work with the players so that they can be perfected.
“I am also happy with the discipline the players showed because usually these young players lack that but I did not see that during our visit to Botswana.”
Chaminuka could get his wish for more game time amid indications that two other friendly matches against Tanzania and Morocco are being lined up.

There are indications that the Young Warriors will play the Taifa Stars on October 8 before facing the Atlas Lions of Morocco on November 16. Tanzania eliminated the Warriors at the preliminary stage of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers while Morocco have qualified for that tournament by virtue of being the hosts.