WITH the blockbuster 2021 Afcon qualifier against Algeria looming large on the horizon, one of Manicaland’s former footballers, Shepherd “Dragline” Muradzikwa has called for Zimbabwe’s thorough preparations.
The Warriors visit the Desert Foxes before hosting them between November 9 and 17 in a crucial top-of-the-table double-header as their Group H campaign takes shape.
With the race for qualification heating up, the fixture comes hard on the heels of Zimbabwe’s drama filled trip to Malawi for a friendly match.
How Zifa handled the Blantyre battle drew criticisms from football fans.
While the Warriors were scrambling to put together a low-key encounter against the modest Flames, Algeria were engaging in high-profile warm-up duels against more fancied opponents — Mexico and Nigeria.
Muradzikwa, a former Under-20 and senior midfielder, reckons facing the tournament’s title holders demands robust preparations.
He says sending the Warriors into battle ill-prepared would be suicidal.
“The importance of our upcoming matches against Algeria is known to all. There is need for a pragmatic approach in preparing for these ties. How we went about business before leaving for Malawi is not how things should be done. We need to learn from the hiccups we faced so that we take our game to a higher level.
“Algeria have played Nigeria and Mexico as they prepare to tackle us, and that shows just how serious they are taking these qualifiers.
“The team needs to be assisted to achieve victory through sound preparations and thorough planning. That orderliness brings efficiency, which leads to success.
“Tournaments are scheduled well in advance to allow participants ample time to get their act together. What happens from the time the match is set affects how teams perform. When dates are announced, noone can argue that they were caught off guard,” said the Sakubva-raised three-time soccer star of the year finalist.
Caf announced the revised dates of the 2021 Afcon qualifiers in August following the suspension of action in March due to Covid-19.-Manica Post
