Jairosi Tapera praises Warriors’ flawless Cosafa Cup performance.
Zimbabwe secures semifinals with wins over Comoros, Zambia.
Potential lineup changes for Kenya match; key players praised.
Injuries and readiness considerations affect player selection.
Strong Start in the Tournament
Warriors coach Jairosi Tapera has praised his players for their outstanding performance in the ongoing Cosafa Cup tournament. His team has collected maximum points in two matches, surpassing expectations with a 1-0 victory over Comoros and a 2-0 win against Zambia, securing a place in the tournament’s semifinals.
Confident and Proud
Tapera expressed his pride in the team’s performance, highlighting their exceptional work in all departments. “In terms of performance and results, these boys have done very well,” Tapera said. He added, “We are proud of their performance in all departments. They are doing exceptionally well and we wish they continued doing that going forward.”
Recognizing Talent
Tapera, who previously admired these players in the league, wasn’t surprised by their success. “I have seen these boys play back home in the league, and I was an admirer of all of them before I got this coaching post. It was a matter of calling these boys to the team because they are all wonderful players. They are very eager to improve in all aspects of the game,” he said.
Key Player Highlight: Michael Tapera
Tapera singled out Michael Tapera (not related to the coach), praising his superb form in the tournament. “Everybody can see how good he is. He has been scoring goals at Manica Diamonds, so this is just a continuation of what he has been doing in Zimbabwe. I am happy for him and I wish he continues to improve going forward,” Tapera remarked.
Upcoming Match Against Kenya
Zimbabwe will face Kenya in their final group game, aiming to secure top spot with a draw or win. Tapera hinted at potential changes in the lineup to give all players a chance to showcase their skills. “We are not going to make changes because we have six points, [but] we are going to make changes because everybody needs to play and we have to assess all the players,” he said.
Injury Concerns
Defenders Malvin Hativagone, Shane Maroodza of Huddersfield, and Joey Phuti, who debuted against Zambia, are doubtful for the match due to injuries. Brentford B goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva may also have to wait longer for his international debut. Tapera emphasized the importance of ensuring players are ready before they take the field. “As for Marley, he is a talented young man, but I don’t want to play him and set him up for failure. We will play him at the right time when we see that he is ready and can do well,” Tapera explained.
Revenge Match Motivation
The match against Kenya is also an opportunity for Zimbabwe to avenge their recent 3-1 defeat to the East African nation in a four-nation invitational tournament in Malawi. This adds an extra layer of motivation for Tapera’s team as they aim to continue their winning streak and secure top position in their group.
