INTERIM coach Kaitano Tembo has declared that his new-look Warriors side will be built on the bedrock of discipline, resilience and hard work as they prepare to face Nigeria in the Unity Cup opener at London’s Valley Stadium on Tuesday.
While the squad is currently base-camping in the English Midlands to acclimatise, they will transfer to London ahead of their blockbuster opening clash against perennial rivals Nigeria.
This tournament represents a critical crossroads for the Warriors.
It is the team’s first outing since Romanian tactician Marian Marinica resigned under unclear circumstances last month.
Tembo has been handed the reins, stepping into the spotlight for his first assignment in proper charge after previously deputising for the last two national team coaches, Michael Nees and Marinica.
With all eyes on how the team performs under his guidance, a good showing in London might very well determine his future as the substantive Warriors boss.
Tembo took charge of his first training session in Birmingham yesterday.
Although he is still awaiting the arrival of some squad members, the former SuperSport United gaffer wasted no time in laying down the law, preaching a gospel deeply rooted in character and structural integrity.
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Under Marinica, the Warriors were pushed toward a “fast-football” philosophy that placed heavy emphasis on raw pace and quick transitions.
It awaits to be seen whether Tembo will retain any remnants of that style, but his immediate focus is clearly on a complete cultural and behavioural reset.
Speaking about his soccer philosophy ahead of the Tuesday kickoff, Tembo revealed that his Warriors identity will be anchored on bedrock human values rather than just tactical formations.
“Well, first of all, I would like to thank the Zifa president for affording us this opportunity in terms of us coming to play in the Unity Cup, you know, in terms of our preparation,” he said.
“And the second thing is I’d like to thank Diaspora Insurance for welcoming us and making sure that we have facilities for us to also continue with our preparations here.”
He said: “Well, coming into the Unity Cup, I think today was our first day of training. Although we don’t have the full complement of the players, we’re still arriving, but I think so far so good.
We’re trying to just also try and use this tournament to build a solid foundation in terms of our structure, to build a solid foundation for the upcoming qualifiers.
“So our structure should be built on, you know, good discipline, resilience, a good attitude, and also a good work ethic amongst the players.”
Tembo added that he was already seeing positive signs from the group, which has been bolstered by the late inclusion of Scottland FC defender Godknows Murwira to shore up the backline following the forced withdrawal of Divine Lunga.
“I think so far I’ve seen a lot of positive things. Yeah, most definitely.
“I think this is the opportunity for us to try and integrate some of the young players as well, like Mongameli Tshuma, as well as Tawanda Chirewa, who hasn’t really played much, to try and give them that opportunity in terms of running in the two games that we’re guaranteed to play.”
He added: “And also we still have senior players like Marvelous Nakamba, as well as welcoming back Marshall Munetsi.
“So I think we are quite happy with what we have at the moment. Hopefully, I think we'll be able to create a good balance in the team.
“Well, I think for us, what’s important is for us to see a lot of good positives from the team. And most definitely we want to win, because that’s very key for us to try and make sure that we start on a positive note in terms of maintaining the results.”
The tournament also marks an emotional homecoming for vice-captain Marshall Munetsi.
The Wolves midfield powerhouse spoke to Zifa media about returning to the Warriors’ fold after being bafflingly overlooked during the entirety of Marinica’s tenure.
“It feels good, obviously, it’s been quite a while, and I think I'm also happy to see my brothers, my friends, my teammates,” an enthusiastic Munetsi said.
“I think we all have a goal now, as we have some important games coming up, and I think I’m looking forward to the games, and I’m looking forward to representing my country as always.”
Looking ahead to the youth influx and the looming Nigerian test, Munetsi added: “I think we have some new young guys coming in, some fresh faces, and I think it’s a good opportunity for us to get to know each other.
Obviously, these two games are important, but what we're looking for is also to prepare for the Afcon qualifiers that are coming up.
“And also we have some big games coming up, we have Nigeria first, so I think everyone will be looking forward to that game, and also just to be proud of representing Zimbabwe.”
