Mutekede Calls for Fan Support Ahead of Mali Test

Young Warriors assistant coach Wilson Mutekede has urged Zimbabwean football fans to turn out in large numbers for tomorrow’s clash against Mali at the National Sports Stadium following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to increase the stadium’s permitted capacity to 25,000 supporters.

CAF recently lifted restrictions that had limited attendance at the stadium, a development Mutekede believes will provide the team with a much-needed boost as they prepare for a tougher test against the West African side.

Mutekede welcomed the decision, saying the increased capacity would allow more supporters to rally behind the Young Warriors.

“It’s a very welcome development to have the number of fans increased, which means a lot of fans can come in and support the team,” he said.

The assistant coach also reflected on Zimbabwe’s opening fixture against Mauritius, insisting that the team deserved credit for getting the job done despite the expectations surrounding the encounter.

“I think we did well in the first fixture against Mauritius. It could have looked like an easy game, but we also had an opponent to deal with, and we managed to overcome that,” Mutekede said.

He believes tomorrow’s encounter against Mali presents a different challenge and has urged supporters to come and witness what the team has to offer.

Turning to the team’s preparations, Mutekede expressed confidence in the squad despite the absence of Prosper, whose unavailability is a setback given his importance to the side.

“It’s unfortunate that we don’t have Prosper for this encounter, whom we were hoping to have in the lineup. He is a very critical member of the squad,” he said.

However, Mutekede was quick to reassure supporters that the team has enough quality and depth to cope with the situation, adding that the available players are ready to step up.

“We have enough replacements in terms of somebody filling those shoes. I think we have a good group of professionals who are prepared to showcase what they have in representing their country,” he added.

The Young Warriors will be looking to carry their positive momentum from the Mauritius encounter into tomorrow’s meeting with Mali as they seek another strong performance on home soil.