Another AFCON dance beckons for Bhasera

24 Dec, 2021 - 00:12 0 Views
Another AFCON dance beckons for Bhasera EYES ON THE BALL . . . Onismor Bhasera

The ManicaPost

Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter

DESPITE divergent opinions triggered by the selection of the Warriors team to do duty at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals, Sakubva-bred defender Onismor Bhasera is relishing his inclusion in the provisional squad.

Bhasera was named among the 30-member platoon that was expected to go into camp yesterday (Thursday) to start preparations for the tournament penciled for January 9 to February 6, 2022 in Cameroon.

The Warriors are in Group B alongside Senegal, Guinea and Malawi.
Warriors coach Norman Mapeza called up familiar faces and five debutantes in the squad. He will pick the final 23 players to travel to West Africa on December 31.

For Bhasera, the call up presents another opportunity for him to represent the country at the competition again.

The Mutare-born fullback was part of the cast at the 2017 tournament in Gabon under Kallisto Pasuwa, but did not make it into Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa’s team for the 2019 edition in Egypt.

The left-footed veteran said: “It is always an honour to be included among players in the Warriors set-up. It shows that I am doing something right and the national team coaches are appreciating it”.

“When it comes to representing my country, I always wear my heart on the sleeve. I am grateful for this opportunity and will utilise it by giving my best to repay the faith of those who selected me,” the ex-Kaizer Chiefs and Plymouth Argyle player told Post Sport from his South African base.

The SuperSport United man has been a consistent performer at his Tshwane club, where he continues to command a regular slot in the starting XI.

With the flirtation appearing to have ended, Bhasera rekindled his romance with Warriors early this year after former coach Zdravko Logarusic included him in the final two matches of the AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia.

He starred in the games as Zimbabwe secured qualification to the finals.

Explaining the inclusion, the expatriate coach said he was charmed by the gifted footballer’s undiluted patriotism and commitment to national duty.

When Mapeza took over after replacing Logarusic he also co-opted Bhasera into his plans, giving him a run in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.

That retention, argues some commentators, was earned on merit.
Former Mutare City Rovers assistant coach Itai “Madhinda” Makumi said there is nothing untoward about Bhasera’s selection.

“I think he is still a good player. That he is making the grade under two different coaches in succession (Logarusic and Mapeza) speaks volumes of how they rate him. At SuperSport United, he is still doing well as he continues to play regularly. As a professional he is aware of the demands and I am sure he can measure up to that,” said Makumi.

For local juniors football enthusiast Thomas Gwara, Bhasera’s vast experience is a major boast for the national team.

“I have looked at the squad and would say it is a health mixture of youth and experience and that gives the team the needed balance.
That he is a seasoned campaigner makes it handy. Remember he has been to the finals before and can add stability and spine to our defensive ranks because he is tried and tested.

“In this game, age is nothing but just a number. Younger players need to learn from their seniors who have been there before,” he said.

Bhasera has always declared himself ready to represent Zimbabwe and asserts that he still has something to offer to the Warriors.

However, a coach with a local Division One side who declined to be named for professional reasons expressed reservations.

He said calling up the likes of Bhasera and Thabani Kamusoko was akin to recycling deadwood as if we do not have a wide and rich base to tap into.

“We need new blood going forward and not these old and tired horses. Upcoming players deserve a chance and a run in the national team. Their turn to don the Warrior colours may not come if we continue relying on the so-called experienced players. Another different approach to doing business was ideal where we would start building a strong team for the future banking on blossoming talent,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged that only the players’ performances and results delivered can justify their inclusion.

 

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