Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba missed yesterday's team training, but coach Michael Nees assured the nation that the midfielder is available for selection in tomorrow's crucial Africa Cup of Nations Group J qualifier against Namibia set for Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Luton star, who started last Thursday's game against the same opponent on his return from a long injury layoff, didn't even show up for yesterday's session held at Wits University, amid fears that he could be unavailable for tomorrow's crucial match.
However, Nees said the decision to rest the skipper was part of a recovery programme they got from Luton.
"Even in his club, he has a two- match protocol, where he normally doesn't train for some days after he plays. He is coming from a very long injury and we must be very sensitive when dealing with him. He is a player who knows his body best and we have a programme with his club," Nees said.
Nakamba lasted just over an hour last Thursday before he was pulled out.
Despite not looking 100% match fit, he was nevertheless one of the best players on show.
"We are constantly in touch with his club. We decided it's best that he remains behind in the hotel to do something in the fitness room. Nakamba doesn't need to necessarily train ball touches, he already has that naturally. "The most important thing is to get his body functioning. We are discussing everything together. "Today it could have been two or three players remaining at the hotel, but they wanted to come out. They have some knocks, nothing serious, so they came onto the pitch for some fresh air and the sun and to do some light work."
Nees is demanding an improvement from his team after a tepid performance the last time out.
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Zimbabwe scrapped to a one-nil win over the Brave Warriors courtesy of a Khama Billiat first half penalty.
"We have to concentrate much more on our passing, the passes were a bit sloppy. Our ball control was not always 100% clean. We need to concentrate a little bit more with our first touch. The Namibia pressing is very good and their three players upfront were very aggressive."
Warriors captain Marshal Munetsi blamed their disjointed performance on fatigue.
He said the decision to play the game in an empty stadium was part of Namibia’s mind games.
"For us getting a win was the most crucial thing," Munetsi said.
"We have been doing well, the progress has been there. We knew that in the first game we needed to win by all means necessary and obviously Namibia was trying to play some mind games... without us having the supporters and making the game being played on Thursday. They knew most of the guys that we have are internationals. Most guys arrived Tuesday and Wednesday, so fatigue played a part in our game. It was difficult to up the intensity, the same way they were playing. We were happy with the three points and everyone is looking forward to a win on Monday because then we have our supporters and we will be much more fresher than how we were on Thursday."
Thursday's game was played behind closed doors at the request of "hosts" Namibia.
However, doors will be opened for fans tomorrow when Zimbabwe will be the home side, and thousands of Zimbabweans in Johannesburg are expected to throng the venue.
Zimbabwe and Namibia are playing their home matches in foreign land because they don't have Caf approved stadiums in their respective countries.
Munetsi is banking on the supporters to lift his players. He said the confidence is high in camp.
"The confidence was already there even before the last match. The results we got in Uganda against Cameroon and Kenya gave us a lot of confidence. Also knowing that Kenya and Cameroon are going to cancel each other out. We knew we needed to do our utmost best in this double header. The three points we got are good, but we need to take six points in these two games. The fans are proud of us, but the only way they can show their support is by coming to the stadium. We would like to see some nice faces cheering us on. Obviously we are going to do our best to make sure that we qualify for the next finals in Morocco," Munetsi said.
Zimbabwe are second in Group J with five points behind leaders Cameroon.
Another victory for Zimbabwe tomorrow would put Nees' men in a commanding position in the group ahead of the return fixtures against Kenya and Cameroon next month.
