WARRIORS midfield workhorse Andy Rinomhota says the squad has made huge steps in the right direction and are well-calibrated to surmount whatever hurdles Kenya can erect and take the ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
Zimbabwe faces the Harambee Stars at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, tomorrow in a Group J match. They just have to draw to ensure their spot in Morocco next year.
Michael Nees’ side does not need just a single point in their last two games against Kenya and group leaders in Cameroon who have already qualified to punch their ticket.
They will need more than that if they allow Kenya to work a way past them as that would mean the East Africans would finish on top of Zimbabwe should they be able to beat Namibia in their last game while the Warriors lose theirs to Cameroon next week.
But a draw against Kenya tomorrow will mean the Harambee Stars, who have four points, drop two points and won’t be able to surpass the Warriors’ tally.
Zimbabwe are the home side tomorrow and they decided to take the match nearer home in Limpopo Province to allow more Zimbabweans time to travel down south to back them.
And Rinomhota, who has been one of the best performers for the Warriors in the past four matches said Zimbabwe are in a good space to beat Kenya and take a place in the Afcon finals.
He said the team was ready to take everything thrown at them by Kenya who have a good record over the Warriors.
“It’s an important game so we can qualify for our main goal which is the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
“We are just looking to finish the job against Kenya. We are looking forward to a very good performance and make Zimbabweans very proud,” said Rinomhota.
“It has been very tough playing against them (Kenya). So we can’t take the game lightly. We should give everything we can.
“Everyone here has the same goal and they want to reach the finals.
“For me, I would like to make my country proud and make progress.”
Rinomhota is especially encouraged by the fact that Zimbabwe have made some steady progress thanks to the systematic and sober approach of coach Nees.
“I think we have a good foundation in terms of how we have been building.
“The players are building more and more chemistry each time they are playing and the results have been there for everyone to see,” added Rinomhota.
“I think it’s the right step in the right direction. I think we need that more and more and be consistent.”
