Musona calls for Warriors' maximum might

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

Knowledge Musona, the prodigal son of Zimbabwean football, has returned with a resounding challenge, urging the Warriors to unleash their full potential and seize maximum points against Benin and Nigeria in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 1 Three years after bidding farewell to international football, Musona is back, his presence a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for World Cup glory.

Tomorrow, at the vibrant Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, the Warriors will face Benin, joint leaders of Group C. From there, they will journey to Uyo, Nigeria, to confront the formidable three-time African champions on March 25th. Coach Michael Nees, brimming with optimism, believes his team can defy the odds and secure the coveted World Cup berth, navigating a challenging group that also includes Lesotho, Rwanda, and South Africa.

Musona, visibly impressed by his new teammates, exudes confidence in their ability to resurrect their campaign. "[I am] feeling good, feeling great, happy to be back and looking forward to the upcoming games. My first training was good and I've seen a lot of quality. I think the future is bright for the Warriors and I'm looking forward that I help these youngsters and contribute to their development," he declared, his voice resonating with passion.

"In football everything is possible and it starts with this game that is coming. The most important is to take the three points first in this coming game and try to go and also collect some points in Nigeria but I think the focus now has to be against Benin," Musona emphasized. "With this quality and this group, I think we are able to collect maximum points and it all depends on the work that we put in on training and of course in the match that is coming. I really believe that we have a team and personally I would love that we win these two games that are coming to stay in the contention of the World Cup qualifiers."

With just two points from four matches, the Warriors face a daunting task, needing to win the majority, if not all, of their remaining six fixtures. However, the appointment of German coach Nees, who successfully guided Zimbabwe to the next Afcon finals, has ignited a spark of hope.

Musona praised Nees's clear vision and communication. "He's a great coach, well spoken and he expresses what he wants and his targets. So, he's quite clear in his vision and everything that he wants to do. I think it's going to be an exciting journey with him and of course with the group of players that we have. I am looking forward to working with him for the next couple of months," he said.

He then issued a heartfelt plea to the Warriors' faithful. "We really hope that you (the fans) come in your numbers to support us. And we promise that whenever we are on the field of play we are going to give our 100% because this is a national team and we are expected to deliver for the nation. We are not only representing ourselves but millions of people, millions of Zimbabweans that are all over the world, not only back home but also watching from the diaspora. So, I'm really hoping that they will come out in numbers and support us so that we can give them something back to celebrate when they go back home after the game."