Danny Phiri absence felt
By Sikhumbuzo Moyo
CASTLE Lager Premier Soccer League Soccer Star of the Year Danny “Deco” Phiri’s withdrawal from the African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda was felt in the Warriors’ 0-1 loss to neighbours Zambia in the Group D opening match yesterday.
Phiri was left out due to a recurring tendon injury, which the national team medical team felt would not heal in time.
The injury was picked up during the explosive Easycall Cup final against Highlanders early last month following a clash with Bosso defender Teenage Hadebe, who also missed the Rwanda trip due to injury.
As a result of Phiri’s absence, coach Callisto Pasuwa gave FC Platinum holding midfielder Gerald Takwara his senior national team debut.
On a good day, Takwara can be a handful to any opponent, but the decision to throw in a rookie against seasoned players like Isaac Chansa proved fatal for Zimbabwe as the former Tsholotsho hardman found the stage a bit too big for him. He failed to command the midfield and on many occasions his passes went astray.
Phiri is brilliant at thwarting opposition raids, excellent in ball distribution and deadly in front of goal, especially with his booming long range shots. He has been a vital cog in the national team for both the Chan and the African Nations Cup squads.
With Phiri absent, Pasuwa should instead have thrown in Nqobizitha Masuku, who has a bit of experience. It was also strange to see Caps United defender Stephen Makatuka and Dynamos’ Rodrick Mutuma sitting on the bench for such a crucial match.
The decision to start big Harare City striker Francisco Zekumbawire ahead of Mutuma could have contributed to Takwara’s debut woes as the Harare City forward struggled to keep possession.
Maybe had the national team been involved in quality pre-tourney friendly matches, the situation could have been different as players like Takwara would have gained a bit of experience in such a crucial position.
Zimbabwe’s next match will be against Mali on Saturday and a loss will all but end their dream of a historic continental title. The Chronicle
