IT has been the year of the underdog — from the exciting boys of Ajax Amsterdam illuminating the UEFA Champions League to wild slugger Andy Ruiz (Jnr) humbling heavyweight boxing hulk, and hunk, Anthony Joshua and a group of fearless Warriors now want to rock the 2019 AFCON finals.
Somehow, despite the whole world suggesting it’s Mission Impossible, as fruitless an exercise as trying to extract milk from a football and as improbable as expecting Dynamos to be crowned champions of Zimbabwe football this year, this merry band of swashbuckling Warriors are not in the mood flow with the tide.
The only thing they are conceding is that they are the underdogs.
But, it starts and ends there.
And, anything else from that word becomes a beautiful tale of defiance, a compelling drama of bravery, a refreshing story of resilience and optimism and a superb expression of courage when faced with insurmountable odds in the fortress of the Pharaohs.
After weeks of preparations, where the COSAFA Cup was finally reduced to what it should always have been — a sideshow for preparations and not a tournament where we should always be chasing silverware — and where the Super Eagles were stopped in their backyard, it all comes to this.
Ninety minutes of action in the heat, and suffocating humidity of the Cairo International Stadium, where temperatures are expected to hover above 35 degrees, even for this night game, and where water breaks will be part of the confrontation to give the players a chance to rehydrate.
“During the Total AFCON Egypt 2019 tournament, the average (dry) temperature in June/July is expected to be between 35° C and 38° C, with an average humidity of 40% to 60%,’’ the organisers advised yesterday.
“This would give a high WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe) temperature above 32° C. It is certain that most teams will be aware of this and will train accordingly.
“At this level, FIFA recommends three minutes rest and refreshing breaks in the 30th and 75th minutes.
“These three minute breaks must be properly prepared in logistical terms, before the tournament and before each match and require the provision of cold containers on wheels to put crushed ice, drinks for referees and small towels, cold and wet, to place around the neck for 26 people (four referees + 22 players) for minutes 30 and 75 if necessary.
“It will also be necessary to prepare for any eventuality of Emergencies. It will be important to be able to diagnose and treat heat-related illnesses, if they occur, on site.’’
Yesterday, Zimbabwe coach Sunday “Mhofu’’ Chidzambwa and his influential skipper, Knowledge Musona, finally faced the world media here at their media conference, with the veteran gaffer declaring that his Warriors are underdogs on a mission to show that minnows can also put up a show.State media
