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READY TO RUMBLE . . . The Zimbabwe Warriors pose for a selfie in Harare ahead of their decisive 2017 Nations Cup qualifier against Malawi at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
MIDFIELDER Marvelous Nakamba says the Warriors should go for the kill to ensure they retain control of their destiny in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they clash with Malawi at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow. The Warriors lead Group L with eight points while Swaziland and Guinea, who play in another match tomorrow, are on five each.There are two rounds of play remaining and Zimbabwe currently enjoy the advantage.

However, the permutations are still tricky and could take a dramatic twist should Guinea, whom we face in the last qualifying match, win in Swaziland. Nakamba, who ironically made his senior national debut last year in the 2-1 away win over Malawi, believes Zimbabwe have the capacity to complete a double over the Flames and edge a step closer to qualification.

The Warriors could seal their spot for next year’s edition in Gabon if they beat Malawi again and Swaziland and Guinea share the spoils. The matches will be played concurrently.

Nakamba, who is a regular at Dutch top-flight side Vitesse Arnhem, played a blinder in the previous qualifier, controlling the midfield with aplomb, when Zimbabwe thrashed Swaziland 4-0 to go three points clear at the top.

“For now we just have to focus on our own match, get our game plan correct and to get positive results,” he said. “I think we have to concentrate on our qualification because if we can’t do that for ourselves, nobody will do it for us.

“Usually I don’t like to check on the opponents because it’s a distraction. I only concentrate on what our technical staff is telling us, our game plan and the like. We just need every player in the team to concentrate the whole 90 minutes.”

Nakamba is likely to make his third appearance for the Warriors tomorrow sharing the central midfield roles with the captain Willard Katsande. Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa has had a difficult time to come up with a final 18 and is only expected to name his squad today.

It was encouraging the technical team had a full house after all the players responded to the call with only the exception of China-based forward Nyasha Mushekwi, who could not be released on time by his club.

But the coach still has a rich pool of talent to pick his players from after extending the invitation to Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro for this assignment. Regulars Khama Billiat, Cuthbert Malajila, Evans Rusike, Matthew Rusike and Knowledge Musona are all up and raring to go.

Pasuwa is again likely to entrust Czech Republic-based Costa Nhamoinesu and Elisha Muroiwa in central defence while Onismor Bhasera and Hardlife Zvirekwi have made strong cases to get starting places in the wingbacks.

“It’s something positive that a lot of these guys have been playing well for their teams. It also feel good for us as the national team to have all those guys in the team. “I think everyone is looking forward to this game. It’s an important game for us to get a positive result to realise our goal and to finish top of the group.

“The supporters should come in large numbers and like the last time we promise to give everything. It was a good feeling winning at home and we hope to emulate that performance and get a good result,” said Nakamba.

Striker Ndoro said he was looking forward to the challenge after getting the call following a good run of form with his South Africa side Orlando Pirates in the last few months.

Ndoro said he is happy with the form exhibited by his Warriors teammates at their different clubs and is hopeful they will play with the same spirit tomorrow. Much will be expected from skipper Katsande, who recently won a string of accolades, including the Player of the Season at Kaizer Chiefs.

Billiat is the man-of-the-moment following a successful season at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he not only won the championship but was also capped the best player, best midfielder and was voted by fellow players for the Players’ Player of the Year Award.

Ndoro, who scored a couple of goals towards the end of the season, was also nominated for the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament. “I will not talk about why I wasn’t being called, but I am here now. I should focus on the game ahead and I hope to do my best if I am selected,” said Ndoro.

Probable line-up:

T. Mukuruva, H. Zvirekwi, O. Bhasera, C. Nhamoinesu, E. Muroiwa, W. Katsande, M. Nakamba, K. Mahachi, K. Musona, M. Rusike, K. Billiat