THE Warriors technical team has roped in FC Platinum hitman Donald Ngoma in a bid to add power, penetration and precision in their front line ahead of tomorrow’s departure to Zambia for the second leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier against the hosts at Levi Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Kevin Mapasure Senior sports REPORTER
Ngoma is not a guaranteed traveller, but the technical team has hinted at changes to the team that played in the first leg by the call-up of Chicken Inn left-winger Kuda Mahachi and Highlanders left-back Bruce Kangwa.
Assistant coach Kalisto Pasuwa yesterday said that they were looking at improvements in the areas they called in reinforcements. “We are looking at improving certain areas,” Pasuwa said.
“If you look at the first leg (Blessing) Chimwamuchere was not that effective on the offensive, I am not saying he didn’t play well, but if we decide we want someone a bit more offensive we may choose to make a change. And then at the wings we did not get as many crosses as we wanted. So we have Kuda Mahachi who can eliminate defenders and put in good crosses.”
Ngoma was called in as cover for Tendayi Ndoro who travelled to South Africa with the view to seal a move at Wits University, but he could force his way in even if Ndoro returns.
Yesterday the Warriors had a morning workout where they focused on attack. There were fears towards the end of the session over captain Masimba Mambare’s fitness when he withdrew from the workout after he took a knock on his right knee.
The medical team was not at training and Pasuwa had to attend to the Highlanders midfielder, but feared the knee could swell after a collision with Hardlife Zvirekwi.
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On the game on Saturday, Pasuwa said they could thrive in the gigantic Ndola despite playing in front of a hostile crowd. “Sometimes the home crowd can be a disadvantage when they put so much pressure on the players,” Pasuwa said. “Our players were under pressure at the weekend. Some of them have not played in front of such big crowds, especially those that play for the smaller clubs.
We are sure they will play better away from the home crowd pressure and we are also banking on Zambian players struggling in front of their fans.”
Pasuwa said the team struggled to get into the Zambian penalty box, but they were looking to come up with ways to improve penetration. “Zambia was very solid at the back and they were disciplined. We wanted to go through the wings, but we didn’t do it well.
We are working on ways to breach their defence better and we are confident we will achieve desired results.” A scoring draw will suffice for the Ian Gorowa-coached Warriors to book a ticket at the finals which are set for South Africa.
