Zimbabwe captain banking on Ugandan fans ahead of Kenya AFCON tie

By mozzartsport.co.ke

Zimbabwe national team captain Marshall Munetsi has rallied Ugandans to turn up in multitudes to watch the match pitting The Warriors against Kenya and also bring the much-needed football atmosphere to the stadium.

The two teams will face off each other on Friday 6 September at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Kampala, Uganda.

Kenya, who are the hosts, were forced to look for an alternative venue after none of the stadia in the country met the minimum qualifications to host the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

With both teams now playing away from home, it is expected that there will be more Ugandans than Kenyans or Zimbabweans in the match and Munetsi now calls on them to fill the stadium.

“We hope Ugandans will turn up in large numbers to enjoy football. For us players, we are all playing for our nation’s pride.

It is difficult for both countries because we are all not playing in our countries at the initial stages but we are ready because there is a stadium and three points to fight for,” he stated in an interview with Clive Kyazze.

Munetsi who is Joseph Okumu’s teammate at Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims also shared what The Warriors are expecting from Harambee Stars.

“Kenya is a physical team, a strong team that is looking to dominate and win the game. We are not going to take anything lightly because we know the quality they have, the players and the coach,” he said.

The 28-year-old added that they will have to find a way to handle the threat posed by Kenya in the match.

“It is a team that always has confidence, physique and stamina and so it is upon us to minimize their abilities,” he added.

The former Orlando Pirates midfielder is hoping that Zimbabwe will send a statement with a win against Kenya after coming from a suspension by FIFA

“We have been away from international football for a long time following the suspension and most of the teams have had so many games to play.

For us, it will just be to ensure we are starting on a good note and stamp authority. If we can manage to beat them, it will be easier for us going forward.”

Additionally, the skipper said that they will use the experience to navigate the challenges of playing away from home

“Most of us guys have been playing African football for a long time and so we know how it is playing away from home.”