MOZAMBIQUE captain Elias Pelembe has warned the Warriors that they will not have it easy when the two teams clash in the Group G 2014 World Cup qualifier at Rufaro Stadium in Harare this afternoon, even if they are both out of contention for a ticket to Brazil.
ALBERT MARUFU
The 29-year-old who plays for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, said although the “Os Mambas”, just like the Warriors, are out of contention for the 2014 World Cup finals, pride was at stake.
Going into the last round of Group G matches, Zimbabwe anchor the log with a single point, ironically gained following a nil-all draw against Mozambique in Maputo. Mozambique, who have one point more than the Warriors are second from the bottom while Egypt lead the group with 15 points. Guinea are placed second, five points behind the leaders.
“We are out of contention for next year’s World Cup, but we are here to win this game,” Pelembe said.
“Zimbabweans should come to the stadium and enjoy good football. We are here to win this game to maintain the spirit of winning.
“This is the team that qualified for next year’s African Nations Championships (Chan) and if they can win against Zimbabwe at home, that will be good for their confidence.”
However, Pelembe, who together with Ajax Cape Town winger Stelio “Telinho” Ernesto are the only two foreign-based players brought in by coach Joao Chissano, said he respected Zimbabwe.
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Statistics favour the Warriors as they have won 11, drawn five and lost one game in the two sides’ 17 meetings since 1979. They have also not lost at home.
“Zimbabwe has good players and I know some of them. It is going to be very difficult to beat them, but we will try our best,” Pelembe conceded.
His sentiments were echoed by Chissano who said a victory over the Warriors today would help the team’s preparations for Chan finals to be held in South Africa in January.
“This game is very important for us because we are building a team for Chan,” he said.
“That is the main reason I left out foreign based players. Local players are in good shape unlike Europe-based stars whose season has just started.” he said.
Chissano, whose side held Angola to a one-all draw to book a place at the Chan finals, said he would not be worried even if his team lost today as he considered the game as part of a learning curve.
In the absence of the Europe-based players, notably goalkeeper Ricardo (Bolvista), Mexer and Simao, Chissano, who brought in a squad of 20 players — will have to rely on Pelembe, Telinho and strikers Sonito of Liga MaÇulmana and Ferroviário’s Mario. Warriors’ assistant coach Mkhuphali Masuku said his charges would be out to show fans that their victory over Zambia that enabled them to qualify for Chan was no fluke. “This game will aid in our preparations for Chan and it is not a dead rubber at all as some view it,” he said.
“We are building a team for the future and the addition of Willard “Bute” Katsande will strengthen the side.”
FC Platinum midfielder Ali Sadiki has been ruled out of today’s tie because of injury.
Zimbabwe probable squad: G Chigova, O Machapa, P Jaure, E Chipeta, B Kangwa, W Katsande, M Mambare, P Moyo, T Muparati, K Mahachi, N Maziwisa
