HARARE - Zimbabwe national team coach Ian Gorowa yesterday revealed his locally-based players will form the backbone of the future Warriors squad as he targets a place at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Warriors’ reception held in honour of their 2014 African nations Championship (Chan) achievements by Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga, Gorowa said he intends to craft his side around the local-based players.
The Warriors, who were making their third appearance at the continental showpiece, reserved for players plying their trade in the domestic league settled for fourth place following a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in the Bronze match playoff.
Zimbabwe had reached the semifinals of the competition where they lost 5-4 on penalties to Libya.
“When we started we said we want to qualify to go to Chan and when we qualified. We then said we want to do better than the previous editions which we managed to do. I think we managed to do just that,” Gorowa told reporters.
“We now need to concentrate on the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations which is in Morocco. That’s what we are looking at.
“We cannot be happy with the whole tournament. I thought we could have done better but if we look back at where we are coming from as a nation then I think obviously that was an achievement.
“We can only do better. I think the players did well. If we add and subtract some of the players but the core of the team are these players.
“The foreign based players have to come in and fight for places against these players and they really need to prove their worth. Of course we need to infuse foreign players but you can go to with these boys to be honest with you.
“But as a coach and as a team there are areas that we need to improve. But one thing we should be proud of is that the core of our national team is made up of these local based players, which is very important.
“They understand now how we play as a unit, the philosophy and now it’s up to the foreign based players to come in and make the grade. But we will help them integrate because we have a number of friendly matches that we have lined up.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach believes preparations of the 2015 Afcon qualifiers must start immediately.
“Everyone wants to play against us which a good thing and we will have to include foreign based players to come up with a strong squad. 2015 is not far and we have to start the preparations now,” said Gorowa.
“I think its upfront where we need to beef up and the good thing is that our players who playing outside are scoring those goals which is a good a thing.
Meanwhile, Zifa Chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze revealed the Warriors will be rewarded handsomely as soon they receive the price money from Caf. The Warriors are guaranteed $250 000 for finishing fourth at the tournament.
The Warriors arrived in Harare Monday night to a heroes' welcome, despite finishing fourth in the third edition of the continental football showcase.