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Tadious Manyepo

Sports Reporter

WARRIORS captain Marshal Munetsi wants the squad to show character when they play Zambia in the semi-finals of the Four Nations Invitational tournament at the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi this afternoon.

The match kicks-off at 2pm.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya are taking part in the Four Nations tournament and the hosts will face-off against Kenya in the other semi-final match at the same venue at 5pm today.

Winners of the semi-final match-ups clash in the final on Tuesday next week after losers meet in the third-place play-off earlier in the day.

And Munetsi wants the Zimbabweans to show their acumen against their Zambezi rivals.

“I think we have a few clips that we have watched on them including the last Africa Cup of Nations that they played. I think they have called the majority of the guys that they had at that tournament,” said Munetsi.

“I think they also have a very good coach who is well-known all over the world. It will be a good test for us to see how far we have prepared and also to see the best that we can produce against Zambia because they are also a good team with good players like Patson Daka.

“It is a test for us to see our character and we have to win all the games for our supporters back home who always say ‘Go Warriors Go.’”

The Reims midfielder said it was encouraging to play such high-profile friendly matches as they help prepare the squad for competitions coming during the course of the year.

“This is something we have always wanted as players, to know each other and be taking part in these friendly games.

Warriors coach Norman Mapeza (left) greets President Chakwera at Malawi’s State House on Thursday

“So having the majority of the big players from all over where they are playing is important. “We have already started to have team cohesion with the training sessions that we have had and I think it’s good for us as we prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers coming in June,” he said.

“It’s important because you can’t just come for a game like what we have been doing before, we have guys who use different systems and different cultures so we have to find our own football culture, our own style of play so that when we have to play big games, I think it’s a good step.”

Meanwhile, defender Emmanuel Jalai has committed to give it his best shot in his Warriors debut.

 “I am happy to receive my first call-up for the national team. You know getting recognition from the association is a big motivation to a player so I am happy to receive the call-up.

“The demand is always the same; if you look at where I play, Dynamos, the demand is one and the same and I will bring the same performance in the national team.

“I have to remain humble and retain concentration. I am ready for duty both mentally and physically,” said Jalai.

“I am prepared for the pressure because for you to be called to the national team, you have to be strong mentally and physically, I think I am ready and I am hoping for positivity. The guys who have been here before have given us a warm welcome.

“It’s an inspiration to mingle with them, you know the difference between playing in the domestic league and playing in Europe. So to mingle with them is inspiring and motivating.

“We are hoping for a positive outcome, we are calling upon the nation to rally behind us and we will give it our best shot.”