Story by Mthokozisi Dube
FORMER Zimbabwe international Esrom Nyandoro has urged the Warriors to prepare for a demanding campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations, set to kick off in Morocco on December 21.
With just two weeks to go, Zimbabwe is gearing up for its sixth appearance at the continent’s premier football showcase.
The Warriors have been placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and neighbours South Africa, a group widely regarded as the “Group of Death.”
Former Warriors midfielder Esrom Nyandoro, who featured in the 2004 and 2006 AFCON tournaments, says there is no greater motivation than playing against Africa’s footballing powerhouses.
“We are 100% in support of the Warriors, and what is important is to see how the preparations are going. AFCON is a big stage, and the boys need to rise to the occasion. Look, it is not the first time we have been in a so-called ‘Group of Death.’ We have been in this situation before in 2004 and 2006, so we can do it. My biggest game will be against South Africa. As you know, most of the players come from South Africa, so that game has a lot at stake,” he said.
Nyandoro, who scored a thunderbolt against Cameroon at AFCON 2004, still remembers how his “Goal of the Tournament” opened doors for him.
“I went to AFCON as a player from Amazulu, and after that goal, which was deemed the goal of the tournament, I received a lot of offers, so, it is more than just AFCON for the players, it is about using the tournament as a platform to market yourself,” he said.
The Warriors begin their campaign on Unity Day against African football powerhouse Egypt.
Their second match is against Angola on December 26 before concluding their group stage campaign on December 29 with a date against neighbours South Africa.
