Mwaruwari challenges Warriors

Online Reporter

Former Zimbabwe International, Benjani Mwaruwari has challenged the Warriors to come of age and qualify for the knockout stage of the Afcon finals.

Morocco will host the top 24 countries in Africa that will be taking part in the continental showcase.

The Warriors qualified for the December finals after finishing second to Cameroon in Group J.

In an interview last night, Mwaruwari said the Warriors have to rise to the occasion and beat Egypt, who are former champions.

The Warriors were drawn alongside Angola, Egypt and South Africa.

“If we are to be counted among the best in Africa, we must fight to get to the later stages of such competitions,” he said.

“I challenge the boys to beat Egypt, who are the favourites. Wins or draws will see us through to the next round, then we would have arrived on the big stage. Thereafter it becomes anybody’s game.”

Mwaruwari was part of the Warriors team coached by Charles Mhlauri which was knocked out in the first round in Egypt in 2006.

He said there was still 11 months before the finals, which is ample time to prepare.

“We have up to a year to prepare, the coaches can cast their net wide, ensure that the team plays friendlies and other tournaments, then whittle down selection to good possibles for Morocco,” said Mwaruwari.

The Cosafa Cup and World Cup qualifiers in which the Warriors will play, will enable the players to gel before Morocco in December.

Recently elected Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi attended the draw.