The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Post Correspondent
COMBATIVE Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande has paid tribute to the senior men’s soccer team following the accomplishment of their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification mission, describing the feat as a patriotic and honourable achievement.
Katsande, who captained the Warriors during the 2017 Afcon finals in Gabon, was effusive in praise of his compatriots who will be making their fourth appearance at the prestigious tournament set for Egypt in June.
Zimbabwe finished top of the pile on 11 points, and were joined by Democratic Republic of Congo who were the runners-up with nine.
“This is no mean achievement and the boys deserve recognition because they represented the country with passion and pride. It’s a job well done. Not only did we win this particular match, our final qualifier against Congo Brazzaville on Sunday, but also finished first as group toppers and this just goes to show how good and strong we were throughout in this pool. There have been ups and downs, yes, during the course of the campaign but we eventually came right. Everyone, from the players, coaches, Zifa and fans, deserves credit,” enthused the gritty grafter in an interview with Post Sport from his Naturena, South Africa base this week.
Attributing the Warriors’ latest success under coach Sunday Chidzambwa to unity of purpose and focus, he highlighted that hard work and team spirit always carry the day.
“It is never easy playing for the national team but with everyone pulling in the same direction results and silverware can be achieved. I have been there myself and am familiar with both the feeling and territory. The contribution I have made to the national team’s cause during my time, which was always driven by the patriotism that fuelled the rest of the boys’ energy, still makes me proud. As has been shown by this class of Warriors, hard work and willpower prevail. A combination of these virtues has paid off, satisfying the desires of an eagerly expectant nation.
“What is important now is that the team continues showing the same determination and hunger for success in future assignment. Watching them play, it shows that this is a special troop of players and they can go a very long way in competing among the best. In Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Marvelous Nakamba, Ronald Pfumbidzai, Teenage Hadebe and Tino Kadewere, among others, we have a good spine for the future of the team and under coach Sunday Chidzambwa they are in very good hand,” said the Sakubva-bred enforcer.
The former Highway star added that he still keenly follows the national game and had been in touch with some of the Warriors players to embolden them during their run for an Afcon ticket.
After announcing his retirement from international duty at the end of the 2017 tournament but maintaining that he would always avail himself for service if ever considered and selected again, the tough-tackling midfielder made an abortive and fleeting return into the Warriors fold for the penultimate match in these qualifiers away to Liberia.
