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take on Botswana in the first leg of the All-Africa Games’ qualifiers, second round tie, tomorrow.
The game has been set for Molepolele, 50 km outside Gaborone, and kick off is 4pm.
The Young Warriors, who left at dawn yesterday, were expected to arrive in Garobone just before midnight on a journey of more than 17 hours by road.
Despite the long journey, the Young Warriors were in high spirits ahead of the game at Molelolele Sports Complex.
Phiri said the team will be able to have one training session today.
“It has been a long journey but the players will take a rest to recover from the fatigue and then have a training session,” said Phiri.
He said the team was cautious against the ever-improving Zebras.
“Botswana have been doing well in the last games. They have been improving and raising the bar.
“The fact that they beat Egypt in their last Olympic Games qualifier shows that they could be dangerous to play against at their home.
“But we are going there with a positive mind because we want a good result,” said Phiri.
Botswana beat Egypt 2-1 last Friday although the result still saw them bowing out of the London 2012 Games.
Zimbabwe’s preparations have not been up to scratch after Zifa failed to find enough resources for an early camp.
The team had only two days of training.
This is in contrast to the Young Zebras who have been in camp for the past month.
Zimbabwe, Phiri said, will however, not let the poor preparations be an excuse for failure.
“Even though we started late we are going to deal with what we have on the ground.
“I believe the team is there and is raring to go.
“The boys have the mental strength to overcome the challenges. “Some of them have been playing first team club football and know what is expected,” said Phiri. The Young Warriors have travelled with Archie Gutu, Denver Mukamba and Timire Mamvura who played for Dynamos in the African Champions League while they also hope Reading FC player Trevor Mutero will play a big role.