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THE Zimbabwe senior national soccer team — The Warriors —plunge into battle against the Red Devils of Congo at the National Sports Stadium in Harare tomorrow standing on the cusp of qualification for their fourth Africa Cup of Nations finals and we feel every Zimbabwean should rally behind the team in their hour of need. 

The giant facility is expected to be filled to capacity with fans from every corner of the country rooting for their motherland in a match whose importance cannot be overemphasised. The current crop of Warriors are a rich mix of talented youngsters fused with experienced campaigners in the mould of captain and talisman Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Ovidy Karuru, George Chigova, Ronald Pfumbidzai and Danny Phiri who are expected to guide their fellow countrymen to victory which will guarantee a ticket to Egypt. 

In Talent Chawapiwa, Tino Kadewere, Kuda Mahachi, Marshal Munetsi, Teenage Hadebe, Devine Lunga, Evans Rusike and Knox Mutizwa — the team has a cutting edge and youthful exuberance needed to unlock any defence. Zimbabwe has also tapped into its diaspora where it has unearthed talent which it is putting to good use. Nottingham Forest’s Tendai Darikwa leads a stellar cast of players whose parents migrated to various countries in Europe but have chosen to represent their motherland in a commendable act of patriotism. 

The others in the current set up are Alec Mudimu who plies his trade in Wales, Admiral Muskwe who plays for Leicester City and Kelvin Lunga who is in Germany. Despite the absence of Marvelous Nakamba who is injured, the Warriors have ample cover in the midfield enforcer position with either Phiri or Munetsi available to provide the necessary grit in that department. 

So far everything appears on course for a smooth build up to the big match with key stakeholders putting their heads together to ensure a flawless camp for the team. Credit should go to Prophet Walter Magaya who has provided accommodation for the team and a Harare clothing shop 4May for dressing the Warriors. 

There are also no ructions about allowances as has been the case in the past meaning that this time Zifa has put its house in order. Last night, the Warriors were scheduled to be hosted by President Mnangagwa during a dinner at State House — capping a fine week during which all Zimbabweans appeared to embrace a spirit of unity never before seen in this country. 

The Tropical Cyclone Idai disaster has seen the people of this country converging in a show of solidarity that has drawn praise from all over the world. Donations and help for victims of the cyclone have come from across the length and breadth of Zimbabwe despite the economic difficulties people are going through and this spirit has also cascaded to the Warriors who have pledged to play for those who perished in the tragedy. 

Regrettably, the camaraderie in the Warriors camp was almost sullied by the diabolical decision by some officials in the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, to deny the team access to the National Sports Stadium to train on Thursday. Officially, the explanation advanced was that the Ministry wanted $500 for use of the stadium and would not budge even when Zifa pledged in writing to offset the costs of stadium hire from the gate receipts after the match. 

While this was going on, the players lost two hours of training ahead of a crucial match and the opportunity to have a feel of the match venue. What this means is that home advantage may be compromised because players need to acclimatise to the turf whose condition was still up in the air yesterday. 

The debacle was also a distraction to the players, particularly the new diaspora brigade who are used to more professional set ups in Europe. 

We sincerely hope heads will roll following this sad episode because the people behind these unfortunate shenanigans are certainly not working for the success of the Warriors but are bent on sabotaging the team. Stadium management of the NSS also needs to be looked into in a serious way with a view to improving the overall set up. 

The current team appears lackadaisical and lacking seriousness. For instance, there have been complaints about the turf but nothing seems to have been done to correct this anomaly. There are also concerns that only 20 turnstiles out of a possible 32, were functional by Thursday night, raising fears that some fans might be stranded outside tomorrow as happened when the Warriors hosted the DRC. 

Clearly, Government needs to intervene to save the situation because some lower level officials appear intent on derailing the Warriors chances of qualifying for the Afcon finals. Despite this unwarranted sideshow, we certainly hope the Warriors will put it at the back of their minds and focus on the job at hand.

Their qualification will not only enhance their acumen as a team but will lift the spirits of the nation at a time when it is grappling with a tragedy of monumental proportions.