FC Platinum Coach Norman Mapeza has promised to deliver a winning streak in his next encounters with the warriors team.
The 49-year-old returned as interim head coach of the senior national team after his representatives finally reached an agreement with ZIFA yesterday.
His immediate task will be to try and restore the team’s shattered confidence while also salvaging what is left of Zimbabwe’s chances, in the World Cup campaign.
Mapeza agreed a short-term three-month deal with ZIFA, which will see him take charge of the three remaining World Cup qualifiers.
His first assignment will be the back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Ghana, coming up in the next three weeks
Mapeza insisted that he will revive the warriors team and try his best to help the football national team qualify for World Cup.
“They told me that they wanted someone to help them in the next coming few games and I said okay, it’s fine,’’ said Mapeza.
“That’s why I agreed to help out.
“I have been there before, and it’s always good to help the nation when the need arises.
“It’s not going to be easy, but I will try my level best to revive this World Cup campaign.
“I think, after the previous results, definitely, the confidence will be low among the players, and the nation at large.
“It’s like everybody is down but, like I said, I will try my best to bring this campaign back to life and try to bring confidence back into the boys.’’ he said.
The former Zimbabwe captain replaced Loga who had dragged the Warriors down to the level of the whipping boys on the continent following a dismal run of just one win in 14 outings.
Mapeza was given the leeway to choose his assistants, and picked Taurai Mangwiro and Mandla Mpofu, with Energy Murambadoro coming in as the goalkeepers’ coach.
He has agreed to a three-month arrangement as head coach of the Warriors.
Meanwhile, ZIFA are expected to name a substantive coach in time for next January’s AFCON tournament where Zimbabwe will be among the 24 finalists, in Cameroon.
