Tadious Manyepo – Zimpapers Sports Hub

MARVELOUS NAKAMBA says the Warriors have warmed up to new coach Marian “Mario” Marinica’s methods and the national team captain is hopeful Zimbabwe will do well in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco next month.

The Nations Cup will run in Morocco from December 21 to January 18.

Zimbabwe sent shockwaves across the footballing world when they stunned Asian champions Qatar 2-1 in an international friendly at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha on Monday night.

That the full-band of Warriors had last won a match on October 14, last year when downing Namibia 3-1 in an AFCON qualifier made the victory over the World Cup-bound Maroons all the sweeter.

It was Marinica’s second match in charge of Zimbabwe having had a not-so-ideal landing after seeing his charges lose 1-3 to African giants Algeria in yet another sparring duel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last week.

But his input was already showing in that game especially in the second half when the Warriors put up a solid performance to not only match their opponents but to outplay them in some key aspects including goal-scoring; Tawanda Chirewa converting from the spot to make the score line respectable.

Yet there had been noise around Marinica’s way of conducting business with armchair critics alleging the Romanian tactician had lost his dressing room.

But Nakamba yesterday hailed the former Malawi and Liberia coach, who is arguably the best ever gaffer to be in charge of Zimbabwe in terms of profile, saying his ability to make everyone understand his philosophy stands-out.

The Luton Town midfielder said: “First of all, let me congratulate the whole squad for their fighting spirit, which enabled us to beat Qatar.

“It was a big match and we knew we needed to get it right just for once, especially considering that we had failed to win a single game in more than a year.

“The boys gave their all and it was good to see them celebrating a victory after a long time. The match against Algeria was also winnable if you ask me.

“But we were a bit slow in our reaction.

“The new coach (Marinica) has put across his message quite correctly and everyone is happy. He has acquainted himself well with the boys.

“His message right from the first time we met was simple and straightforward. And it has resonated well with the group. It is the way to go and we are all eager to do well going forward,’’ he said.

Nakamba was an unused substitute in the match against Algeria with defender Gerald Takwara sporting the armband.

But the former Aston Villa star was back in the grind against Qatar with Marinica partnering him with Germany-based Jonah Fabisch and Sean Fusire.

And he brought one of the best performances he has ever had in Warriors colours, winning crucial duels and interceptions with his rangy passing also standing out.

Talking about his input in that match, Nakamba added: “I think I owe it to the coach and his philosophy. We tried to play according to his instruction. He told me to give the team the balance it needed by maintaining positional discipline.

“I stayed right in my region and I should also give credit to the youngsters that surrounded me. They had the hunger to play the ball and take it away from the opponent.

“Everything just ended up working perfectly. I liked the passion and the desire displayed by everyone. It wasn’t an easy match playing an opponent ranked well above you in the world. Remember Qatar are ranked the 52nd best team across the globe and we are 129th.

“That gulf never showed determination and the coach’s “fast philosophy” confused them.”

Nakamba recently recovered from a nasty injury and will be hoping to get more game time at Luton Town before he leads the Warriors at the AFCON.