Story by Lawrence Trusida
THE Warriors capped off President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inauguration in style after edging Namibia 5-4 on penalties in a match played at the National Sports Stadium this Monday.
The sights of victory as the Warriors marked their return to international football with a close victory over an organised Namibian side at the National Sports Stadium.
One of the most famous Warriors songs is “Vakomana vekwedu” which equates the Zimbabwe national team to Lions and the sound of Iron Lion Zion ignited the team’s spirits after a victory.
The hastily assembled side took an early lead in the match through Mthokozisi Msebe before the visitors restored parity before the breather.
Defender, Farai Banda then restored the Warriors lead only for the Brave Warriors to rally back again late in the game to end the regulation time tied two all.
It was now time for the dreaded penalty shoot outs and Zimbabwe managed to score their first two penalties before star midfielder Walter Musona saw his effort being saved.
Namibia then missed their fourth kick sending the game into sudden death penalties that eventually saw the Warriors winning after Namibian defender Alfus Leevi hit the cross bar.
“We are happy with the win for the team it means so much and just getting the chance to represent the nation this is super special and happy to represent Zimbabwe,” said Warriors captain Frank Makarati.
Rock solid defender Peter Muduhwa echoed his captain’s sentiments, “For the national team it’s not really about training, we know each other as we play against each other every day, but the chance to represent Zimbabwe means a lot especially on such a day.”
Veteran coach Sunday Chidzambga was delighted with the honour of leading the nation, “Maybe I was the right man to lead Zimbabwe on such a day because of the history, but we a glad to win without even training we just talked to the guys and told them how we want to okay and I am happy the guys listened and delivered.”
Zimbabwe pocketed US$50 000 for the win, while Namibia will fly back with half that amount.
