Warriors coach Marian Marinica has explained his decision to field fringe players during their exhibition match against Highlanders FC at Barbourfields Stadium on Wednesday.
The friendly encounter was organised as part of Highlanders’ 100-year anniversary celebrations.
The Warriors XI featured largely fringe players, with Marinica handing unofficial debuts to Ipswich Town defender Corbin Mthunzi, Wales-based midfielder Panashe Makwiramiti, and Highlanders midfielder Mongameli Tshuma.
Explaining his selection, Marinica said: “We tried some new players, we wanted to see how it would work. We also tried a different system along the way.”
Marinica also admitted that the team is behind in its preparations for the upcoming Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Botswana later this week.
He added: “At the beginning, our performance showed that we are behind with our preparations for the tournament because some players are yet to report for camp, while others have just joined us.
“Normally, you need more days to prepare for something like that, but we’re getting there.”
Zimbabwe will face hosts Botswana at Obed Itani Stadium on Saturday at 6 pm CAT. The winner will advance to the final to face the victor of the other semi-final between Zambia and Malawi, while the losing sides will meet in the third-place playoff.
Related Posts
#Warriors #coach #explains #fringe #players #Highlanders #open #admission #team #preparations
