The reason why "The Dream Team" crumbled

The reason why "The Dream Team" crumbled - Japhet Muparutsa

Japhet Muparutsa

The Dream Team was a good team. I did not rate Fabisch highly as a tactician, i would not compare him with a tactician like Peter Nyama. However, i think he was a very good motivator.

The Dream team deserved to qualify for one of the tournaments, the World Cup or the Nations Cup. What went wrong?

I have had a discussion with former Zifa President Trevor Carilse Juul. He suggested that when you begin a journey, it is important to finish it with those who start. Some people call it luck, Trevor calls it "a blessing" and i agree.

With Trevor at the top, the Dream Team was cruising. There was a real possibility that Zimbabwe was going to make history by qualifying for two major tournaments. Everyone suddenly wanted the Glory and changes were made.

With the departure of Trevor, the script changed. Did he go with his "blessing"? One can argue so. The team which had gone for 13 matches unbeaten suddenly failed to win. Against Zambia they drew, against Cameroon they lost.

The Dream died, the glory seeking came to nothing. There was no need to change the leadership in the middle of the journey.

This contributed to the failure together with the tactical ineptitude.

Japhet “Short Cat” Muparutsa is a former Warriors goalkeeper who during his active playing days also turned out for a number of PSL sides which include Dynmaos and Black Rhinos. He is now based in the United Kingdom.