From a Zimbabwean perspective , the opening match between Zimbabwe and Botswana last Friday for the 2021 Afcon qualifiers was a thorn in the flesh to fans as loopholes were depicted in both the coach and the players.
The coach banked much on the international flair that even when they failed to score in the 1st half, he exempted them from being substituted.
Joey Antipas portrayed himself as inadequate to coach a national team but a club team. His coaching with the opening game in mind is mediocre as the team looked unorganized. The players lacked coordination as they could not complete more than 5 passes upfront.
Whilst the Zebras’ Algerian coach Adel Amrouche was always on the touchline giving orders , Zimbabwe’s interim coach Antipas looked like a spectator.His formation of letting Musona and Billiat play behind Knox Mutizwa was disastrous as the two lacked creativity.For Zimbabwe to get scores, Khama need not play behind another striker.
The Warriors’ impressive line-up that included Aston Villa midfielder Marvelous Nakamba, Khama Billiat, Knox Mutizwa and European-based defenders, Teenage Hadebe and Marshall Munetsi did not count as goals lacked.
Ian Nekati was involved in many build ups but his efforts went to waste as the team failed to click.
The players should sometimes change their positions for them to control the game and win. Pfumbidzayi’s long balls could have been helpful if he was in the defensive linkman position and the balls reaching the wingers.
Last but not least , Zifa should organise friendly matches for the Warriors so that they can have coordination when they play.
According to the Fifa website, Zimbabwe and Botswana have met 17 times.The Warriors have recorded nine wins compared to the Zebras’ four victories, while four games ended in a stalemate including the 2021 Afcon qualifier.
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