Zimbabwe’s national team has a shot at ending an eight-year wait for silverware when they meet Zambia in Tuesday’s Four Nations Tournament final.
On the surface, the Warriors look revitalised. Under Marian Marinica, the attack has shown greater intent and urgency, producing 10 goals in six matches.
It’s a noticeable uptick for a side that, not long ago under Michael Nees, laboured in front of goal,managing just one strike in five games despite dominating possession.
Warriors winger, Daniel Msendami is bracing for a fierce test as Zimbabwe prepare to face a youthful and ambitious Zambia side, one he believes will bring intensity and a point to prove.
The winger expects a high-energy contest, with Zambia’s young squad eager to make their mark, but insists the Warriors are ready to match that hunger
“It will be interesting. Zambia is a very youthful side. So they want to prove it will be a very, very tough game,” he said.
“But we will give our best. You know we are Zimbabwe. We will give our best. We will try to push and win the game.”
Warriors defender Isheanesu Mauchi who joined Chippa United in February, securing his future in the Eastern Cape until 2028 says the Four Nations Tournament has come at the perfect moment in his career, offering a timely platform to rebuild and prove himself.
“I think the timing of this competition is important,” he said. “I think it’s at the right time because I just made a move to a new team. They’ve been helping me get my fitness back, they’ve been helping me with a lot of things.”
“So it’s another chance, another opportunity to show my quality which I didn’t quite get to do in the last camp.”
Zambia head coach Oswald Mutapa isn’t buying into the hype around Zimbabwe ahead of Tuesday’s Mukuru Four Nations final, at least not completely.
However, he acknowledges the Warriors’ experience. But for Mutapa, that doesn’t make them untouchable.
“They are on the experience side,” he said. “But also, just like any other team, they will have their weaknesses.”
It’s a measured view from a coach who knows this won’t be about reputations. Zambia have done their homework, studying Zimbabwe’s strengths while searching for cracks they can exploit.
“Of course, we have to analyze our opponents.,” Mutapa added. “We equally have our weaknesses.”
Zambia’s bigger concern might be at the other end. They created chances in their previous outing but failed to convert, something Mutapa has already addressed with his squad heading into the final.
“Going into the game where we missed a lot of chances, our word to the players is to have confidence.”
The approach won’t change. If anything, Mutapa wants more of the same,just with a sharper edge in front of goal.
“Do what we did to create those chances. Believe in yourselves. And yes, if we are able to create chances, it means we are able to score at any given time.”
For Zambia, it’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about finishing what they start. Zambia advances to the final of Mukuru Four Nations Tournament after defeating Malawi 9-8 on penalties.
