The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Correspondent
DEPLETED Warriors will troop into combat for the crucial 2021 Afcon Group H qualifier against Botswana next Thursday before plunging into another battle with Zambia the following Monday as they seek to secure a slot at the finals.
With most of Zimbabwe’s foreign-based stars ruled out for both ties, it leaves skipper, Knowledge Musona, as virtually the only recognisable senior player available.
As the team captain, a lot is expected from him to spearhead the squad’s cause from the front.
Outright victories over their opponents can see second-placed Zimbabwe successfully clear their passage to Cameroon. And they need goals to win those matches.
Yet scorers of four of Zimbabwe’s five strikes in the campaign so far — Khama Billiat (two), Tino Kadewere (one) and Prince Dube (one) will sit out of the games.
This then thrusts Musona at the forefront of leading the Warriors’ forays into enemy territory. He is expected to be the reliable source of goals. Over the years he has proved his mettle as the team’s leading scorer, coming out tops in the 2019 qualifiers.
Not that this squad is a one-man band, but Musona has been the leading light and a consistent top performer.
Musona’s predecessor — midfield enforcer, Willard Katsande — believes his successor has enough quality to do the job.
“It is no secret that we should win these games and the only way to do so is by outscoring our opponents. One of football’s most commonly known truths is that a goal-scoring attack helps teams to win matches and tight defences bring titles. For this particular mission we, therefore, have to be at our sharpest upfront and very mean at the rearguard in order to take all the points home.
“With the other guys in the strikeforce missing, Musona has to step up. Using his experience he can deliver. I have played with him before and know what he is capable of. Besides, he is the captain and has to show the other lads on the pitch the way. On any day, Musona can hit the nets because he is such a prolific marksman,” said the veteran hard-man, who cut his football teeth in Sakubva.
Katsande and Musona shared the Kaizer Chiefs and Warriors dressing room for years.
Having been largely the provider teeing up teammates during the current campaign, the ex-Aces Youth Academy starlet will have to sharpen his shooting skills again and summon his predatory instincts in front of goal. He, however, is no stranger to direct goal involvement roles.
Musona played his “partner-in-destruction” Billiat through on goal for the dribbling wizard’s brace against Zambia in the first leg. He followed it up with another final killer pass, registering the assist for Kadewere in the 3-1 reverse away to reigning champions Algeria. Proving that he still carries a lethal goal threat, the German Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim’s former gunslinger had his name on the scoresheet from a direct free-kick before turning provider for Dube in the two-all stalemate at home to the Desert Foxes.
After shaking off an injury, he regained his range with encouraging performances for his Belgian side K.A.S Eupen. He has lately enjoyed some scoring form and the Zimbabwe faithful will be pinning their hopes on the Smiling Assassin to put his best foot forward.
Musona has also shown his versatility by playing in several positions across the midfield and attack at his European base. In the previous home match for his country, he was shunted to the right back spot as Zimbabwe sought to shut shop and protect a point against Algeria.
Leading charges hamstrung by absenteeism of key players in momentous battles, Musona’s work to rally his troops to triumph is cut out.
Katsande is backing him in this regard.
“Captaincy comes with responsibilities. I have been there before and know what exactly it is like to be in that position. Given the circumstances surrounding our preparations — the absences, injuries and all — there must be a go-to main man, the point person who can provide leadership. Musona as the skipper is that commander, who will steer his troops. He would be required to be exemplary but it is important that the rest of the team pulls its weight in the same direction together so that they achieve their goal,” said the former Highway and Ajax Cape Town man.
Since taking over the armband from Katsande, Musona has been a humble and loyal servant representing his nation with distinction.
But can he make history by helping Zimbabwe sail through to the Afcon finals for the third time in a row? Will he follow in the legendary Peter Ndlovu’s footsteps by becoming only the second captain to lead the team to the tournament for two consecutive editions? Will the 30-year-old increase his goal tally in the famous green and gold shirt?
All eyes are on Knowledge Musona.
