‘Warriors have capacity to beat Bafana in Limpopo derby’

Curtworth Masango, Zimpapers Sports Hub

DYNAMOS team manager and ex-Zimbabwean international footballer Ronald “Gidiza” Sibanda is confident the Warriors can defeat South Africa and claim bragging rights in the Limpopo derby at the upcoming Afcon tournament in Morocco.

Zimbabwe is grouped with Egypt, Angola, and South Africa in Group B, marking the first time they’ll face their neighbours South Africa and Angola at Afcon.

The rivalry between Zimbabwe and South Africa is long-standing, with many legends having participated in it.

Gidiza, a renowned midfielder in local football history, has first-hand experience playing against these teams.

He believes that with proper preparation, Zimbabwe can compete and beat their opponents.

“I think it’s a fair draw. If we prepare well, we can compete and beat these teams,” Gidiza said.

Recalling his personal experiences, Gidiza mentioned notable matches, including a loss to Egypt at Afcon, a win against South Africa in the Thabo Mbeki Inauguration Match, and a victory against Angola in the Cosafa tournament.

Gidiza’s fondest memories include taking the lead against Egypt, creating the winning goal against Angola, and facing South African legends Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune, and Benny McCarthy in a World Cup qualifier.

“Taking the lead against the mighty Egyptians . . . creating the winning goal against Angola . . . and also coming face to face with Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune, and Benny McCarthy in a World Cup qualifier,” he said.

As the lowest-seeded team in the group, Zimbabwe will look to defy expectations.

Gidiza emphasised the importance of striking the right chords.

“We currently have all the ingredients for success. The new Zifa president has pledged full support, which is key for our boys to challenge. We simply need to play to our strengths to be among the best,” he said.

Gidiza Sibanda, has expressed his confidence in the Warriors’ ability to beat South Africa and claim the bragging rights of the Limpopo derby at the upcoming Afcon tournament set for December in Morocco.

The Warriors are in Group B alongside Egypt, Angola, and South Africa, marking the first time Zimbabwe will face their neighbours South Africa and Angola at Afcon.

The rivalry between Zimbabwe and South Africa dates long back and has seen many legends being part of it.

Currently Zimbabwe are also drawn in the same World Cup qualifiers group against Bafana Bafana and lost the opener 3-1 and are looking forward to hosting them in Harare for the second leg.

Gidiza, arguably one of the best finds in the history of Zimbabwean midfield play had first-hand experience playing against all three teams during his career, believes that with proper preparation, Zimbabwe can compete and beat their opponents.

“I think it’s a fair draw. If we prepare well, we can compete and beat these teams,” he said.

When asked about his personal experiences playing against the three teams, Gidiza recalled some memorable matches.

“We lost to Egypt at Afcon, we beat South Africa in the Thabo Mbeki Inauguration Match, and we beat Angola in the Cosafa tournament,” he said.

Gidiza’s fondest memories of those games include taking the lead against Egypt, creating the winning goal against Angola, and coming face-to-face with South African legends Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune, and Benny McCarthy in a World Cup qualifier.

“Taking the lead against the mighty Egyptians (Egypt came from behind to register a 2-1 win), creating the winning goal against Angola. And also coming face-to-face against Eric Tinkler, Quinton Fortune and Benny McCarthy in a World Cup qualifier,” he said.

The Warriors are the lowest-seeded team in the group, as per Fifa rankings when the draw was conducted will be looking to turn things around for themselves.

Gidiza said it’s a matter of striking the right chords.

“We currently have all the team that needs to be successful, the new Zifa president has already pledged full support to the team which is key for our boys to go and challenge.

“We simply need to play the best for us to be among the best,” he said.

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