Warriors interim coach Joey Antipas made headlines of being booed by fans with the print media describing the words unprintable in family newspapers with maybe whatssapp groups suitable has bounced back barely a week to be Zimbabwe sports fans’ favorite after Tuesday’s 2-1 win against Zambia.
Antipas has lived up to his first name Joey ‘s meaning which means a guy that is super sweet and cute and usually a total gentleman, but sometimes he acts all grumpy like he doesn’t want to be friends and you’re left confused because literally yesterday he was flirting and protecting you! Joey is just a really confusing guy that should come straight out and tell you if he likes you. He is now super sweet to the Zimbabwe soccer fans as the fading hopes to qualify for the Afcon after the all nil draw against Botswana last Friday are bright again. He has brought joy to the Warriors fans.
Joey Antipas has proved himself to be acquainted with the modern football scenario where the home team is not an obvious winner in a match. Although his contract with Zifa expires on 31st December 2019, there is possibility of renewal or signing another one on permanent basis after his exploits against Zambia.
Meanwhile Ian Nekati, the only local player commanding the first eleven team jersey can gain limelight on the international scene like Manucho of Angola whose actual name is Mateus Aberto Contreiras. The ZPC Kariba stalwart defender has featured for the Warriors in the Chan squad, World Cup qualifiers squad and recently in the Afcon qualifiers squad.
When Manucho struck on the international scene with his four goals during Ghana Afcon 2008, many did not know him. With an interesting club career that saw the former Petro Atletico of Luanda top striker for English giants Manchester United in January 2008 many African football followers finally thought Manucho’s career was about to take off with a big bang.
Unfortunately the work permit issues strangled the move and the striker was shipped off to Panathinakos for the rest of the 2001/2008 season. However, he managed a solo outing in a League Cup against Middlesbrough in September 2008 which was to become his only appearance for the Red Devils.
With the Warriors’ Afcon qualifiers back on track, Ian Nekati maybe in an international breakthrough to overseas clubs more than South African league if Warriors qualify for the 2021 Afcon.
News Sport Online 