WARRIORS midfielder Ovidy Karuru says they have a responsibility to win tomorrow’s 2019 AFCON qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville to cheer the spirits of the people whose lives have been shattered by Cyclone Idai.<\/p>\n
The Warriors need just a point to ensure a second back-to-back appearance at the biannual continental contest.
\nBut, as cruel as fate would have it, Cyclone Idai destroyed lives and left a trail of destruction in the country’s eastern highlands.<\/p>\n
Karuru, one of the key members of Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa’s squad, sobbed as he emphasised the need for the team to win for those affected by the tragedy.<\/p>\n
The Warriors have already, as confirmed by team manager Wellington Mpandare, started mobilising resources they intend to donate to the victims.<\/p>\n
A dinner, which was supposed to be held by President Mnangagwa for the Warriors last night, was cancelled because the country was in mourning.<\/p>\n
ZIFA president Felton Kamambo confirmed the developments at a Press conference in Harare yesterday.<\/p>\n
He said over 18 000 tickets had already been sold and pledged to take a dollar from each ticket purchased towards the victims of the cyclone.<\/p>\n
The Warriors will also wear black armbands in honour of those who perished in the storm.<\/p>\n
Karuru said Zimbabwe can’t afford to lose the match against Congo after the tragic events in the country this week.<\/p>\n
“This is the match they were obviously looking forward to win given what is at stake,” said Karuru.<\/p>\n
“It’s unfortunate that our fellow Zimbabweans had to die that way.<\/p>\n
“It really hurts us and, as the Warriors, we will not only donate to those who were affected, but we will play for the deceased as well.<\/p>\n
“We cannot afford to lose the match and fail to qualify for the AFCON finals. I am very sure all those who perished want us to make it to Egypt.<\/p>\n
“We cannot afford to do them a disservice.<\/p>\n
“We are going into the match knowing fully well that we need to play a role to, at least, reduce the pain which is troubling the nation.”<\/p>\n
Newboy Admiral Muskwe, who plies his trade at English Premiership side Leicester City, has been impressive at training.<\/p>\n
He said the Warriors will not let their country down.<\/p>\n
“It’s not a secret that the match against Congo will be tough.<\/p>\n
“We want to qualify and they also want to qualify. But we have a better chance than them. We also need to help the nation heal as a dark cloud continues to hang after what happened in Manicaland.<\/p>\n
“It is very sad to lose our brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers in such a horrific way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WARRIORS midfielder Ovidy Karuru says they have a responsibility to win tomorrow’s 2019 AFCON qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville to cheer the spirits of the people whose lives have been shattered by Cyclone Idai. The Warriors need just a point to ensure a second back-to-back appearance at the biannual continental contest. But, as cruel as fate would […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":4089,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[378,514,484,509,392],"class_list":["post-6158","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-afcon","tag-football-club","tag-match","tag-warriors","tag-zifa"],"yoast_head":"\n