THE Warriors coach Michael Nees is unfazed by Namibia's decision to shut out fans in their Group J Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, tomorrow.
Like Zimbabwe, Namibia do not have a Caf-certified stadium to host international matches and will play the Warriors behind closed doors at Orlando Stadium.
Zimbabwe will also host Namibia in the reverse fixture at the same venue on Monday.
However, Zimbabwe will open the doors for fans to watch the match.
Namibia claim they are not in good financial standing to cater for some logistics for the match, especially paying for security.
But that has been viewed as a way of closing out the Warriors’ fans for the tie.
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Zimbabwean fans were expected to go to the match in their numbers.
Nees insinuated that Namibia were deliberately trying to disadvantage the Warriors, who enjoy good support in South Africa.
“We expected that. We had a similar situation in Uganda and we anticipated a COVID-19-like atmosphere,” he said yesterday.
“We already mentioned that some games will be like that, but of course, every footballer, even the Namibians would love to play in front of a crowd and to be energised by people who are watching and appreciating their football skills.
“We take it as it is. We have another game on Monday, I am sure there will be some spectators. Football is entertainment, it’s for fans. It’s unfortunate, but it is their decision. It has nothing to do with us.”
The Warriors’ gaffer is not happy with the arrangement of having players arriving late for camp as it jeopardises preparations.
He expected Gerald Takwara and Teenage Hadebe to join the rest of the squad yesterday, but still had reservations.
“We are still waiting for some players. We have different groups, one from Europe, the other from South Africa and have another one which came from Harare,” the German mentor said.
“And then we have a few others like have Gerald (Takwara) from the Middle East, Teenage (Hadebe) from the US. We still have to assemble. We are not yet complete.
“We need to assemble a squad that is equally good and the players who are here deserve trust and confidence from all of us. Everybody arrived here in very good spirit and the players mood was very good in Uganda. I think we can be happy with the group with the character that we have in our squad.”
Added Nees: “We have to work on it, but again, it will be one session with a full squad before an international match. We must always be realistic. What can you work in such a session?
“It is not always a thing from training, it is also a little bit of mental approach and it’s the focus from the players which could change that. We can also work outside the pitch as well on that. We are confident that the players will be ready on Thursday. They are not yet ready, but they need to be ready.”
Nees says he spoke to the injured duo of Tino Kadewere and Tawanda Chirewa.
The two will miss both matches
The Warriors have two points behind Kenya and Cameroon that are tied on four points, while Namibia are yet to collect a point.
Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants), Marley Tavaziva (Brentford), Martin Mapisa (Dynamos)
Defenders: Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns), Gerald Takwara (Al Minaa SC), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth Argyle), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Caps United), Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Jordan Zemura (Udinese)
Midfielders: Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town), Marshall Munetsi (Stade de Reims), Andy Rinomhota (Cardiff City), Brian Banda (FC Platinum), Richard Hachiro (Ngezi Platinum)
Strikers: Khama Billiat (Yadah FC), Prince Dube (Young Africans), Terrence Dzvukamanja (Supersport United), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell), Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants), Walter Musona (Simba Bhora), Douglas Mapfumo (Polokwane City)