Warriors interim coach Norman Mapeza says there is still a long way to go before the country can start talking about qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
Addressing journalists after the warriors dispatched hapless Liberia 3-0 at the National Sports Stadium, Mapeza said despite the win, he is aware of the danger posed by other teams in the group and urged the team to guard against complacency.
“It was a good game of football. I think we just won it in all departments. We defended well, we were compact in midfield and upfront we were just clinical. I say congratulations to the boys, they worked so hard.
“I think we have built a strong foundation going forward. The most important thing is just to be consistent. Let’s try to keep the team as it is and let’s guard against complacency,” said Mapeza.
The former Monomotapa FC coach, who is still on an interim basis said whoever is appointed substantive coach, should keep the team as it is.
“As everyone knows, I am interim coach here, maybe next game there will be a new coach but my advice to whoever is going to come and take over as coach is let’s keep this team and include one or two guys who were not available today.
“I think it’s a good team, a good mixture of experienced players and youngsters. I think it’s good for the nation,” said Mapeza
ZIFA president Philip Chiyangwa however, assured the nation that Mapeza was not going anywhere.
“I am elated. I am very happy that my team performed very well. I have an excellent team and an excellent coach. It is the beginning of a journey to qualifying again.
“You continue to ask me whether Norman Mapeza is permanent or not.
“He is irreplaceable. For how long should I keep on saying that? He is FC Platinum coach, yes, and he is also the national team coach,” said Chiyangwa.
Warriors got their goals from skipper, Knowledge Musona who scored a hat trick to propel Zimbabwe to the summit of Group G ahead of DRC, Congo Brazaville and Liberia.
