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Tadious Manyepo, Harare Bureau
AFTER playing key roles in the Warriors Cosafa Cup success story in South Africa this year, Marshal Munetsi and Aleck Mudimu are to ease into the Afcon trenches in the Warriors colours in Brazzaville tomorrow.

The Warriors left for the Central African country yesterday.

Munetsi, who plies his trade at ABSA Premiership giants, Orlando Pirates, said they have to be cautious since they will be away from home.

“It’s quite a good experience for me as I have been selected to play a role in this Afcon qualifying match for my country,” said Munetsi.

“I am getting to my full fitness. I am happy to be here to represent the country and I will throw everything for the success of the team.

“It is important for us to win the match against Congo as the points will put us in a very good position.

Aleck Mudimu

“We have to do all we can to bag maximum points. This is my first time to participate in this tournament and, I know, we have some fantastic players in the fold who can make the country proud.

“We should qualify for the finals, that’s the only aim. We have to compete and at the end of the day, it is about how committed we are.

“And, from the look of things, we have a group of committed, patriotic players who are driven by the desire to do well.’’
Mudimu, who like Munetsi had a fantastic Cosafa Cup, is set to make his debut in the Afcon finals and is expecting a tough match against the Congolese.

“It always feels good for one to be called to represent their national team. I feel humbled and honoured. It’s a dream come true,” said Mudimu.

“This is a tough game and we shouldn’t take it lightly. We have to prove why we are in this exclusive group of the finest players.

“We should work hard on the day because from what we all know, it’s always difficult to play away from home. Football is the same but we have to make sure our play is compact because mistake away from home is punishable.

“This is the pinnacle of football at continental level and we should be able to rise to the occasion. It will be good for the country if we manage to post a victory in Congo.

“We stand a very good chance of qualifying for the finals if only we win this match. I think we have this advantage of having started the campaign on a high as compared to Congo, one factor which will put them under a little bit of pressure going into the match.’’