The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Hlongwane, is confident the Zimbabwe Warriors have what it takes to progress beyond the group stages at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations which got underway in Gabon yesterday.
Zimbabwe take on Algeria in their opening match in what is a thrid appearance at the continental showcase and Hlongwane will attend this evening’s fixture as well as the one against Senegal on Thursday. Yesterday, Hlongwane said the Willard Katsande led Warriors who are the only team from Southern Africa at this year’s tournament have a significant assignment of getting past Algeria to ensure that they increase their chances of progressing to the next round.
“Zimbabwe’s Warriors who are the sole representatives of Southern Africa have an important task of dispensing with the Algerians to light up their chances of progressing to the next stages. As Minister of Sport and Recreation I have no doubt that the current crop of Warriors have everything it takes especially talent to do well in this campaign,’’ said Hlongwane.
He made a passionate plea to all Zimbabweans to get behind the Warriors as they take on this vital assignment on behalf of the nation. He challenged the Kalisto Pasuwa coached lads to be focused and be victorious against Algeria this evening for their fellow Zimbabweans.
“I call upon all Zimbabweans to rally behind the Warriors as they engage on this very important campaign on behalf of the nation. I also call upon the players to focus and win it for the nation in their opening match against Algeria tomorrow (today),’’ Hlongwane said.
Hlongwane is in Algeria together with the recently appointed Sports and Recreation Commission board chairman, Edward Siwela. He joined the Warriors, who have Zifa vice president Omega Sibanda as head of delegation.
— @Mdawini_29
