Zimbabwe defender Gerald Takwara has urged his teammates to adopt a new mentality and approach ahead of their crucial World Cup Qualifier clash against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday evening.

The Warriors currently sit at the bottom of Group C with only two points from three matches, having suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat to Lesotho last Friday at Orlando Stadium. With the group standings still open, Takwara, who plays for Ohod Club in Saudi Arabia, emphasizes the importance of Tuesday’s match and is rallying his teammates to take a different approach for this vital encounter.

“This is a very big game, not only for us but as a country, for everyone who’s Zimbabwean or South African,” he told ZIFA Media.  

“We played well against Lesotho, but things didn’t go our way. So, we need to change our ways, attitude and mentality towards our next game,” Takwara insists.

The former Ajax Cape Town and Venda Football Club defender says the Warriors have moved on from the disappointing Lesotho result.

“A few days ago, we were still processing the loss, but we’ve overcome that phase now. Everyone is focused and determined to give their all for the country,” said Takwara.

Takwara added, “The group is wide open; they [South Africa] drew against Nigeria. We’re not overly concerned about them, but a win would close the gap, which would be positive for us.”

The 29-year-old defender has called on Zimbabwean supporters to come out in force and back the Warriors, assuring them that the team will leave everything on the pitch to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

“For those who are coming and those who are willing to come, please come from all angles of the country, come in numbers. I’m 100% sure that we will give everything, believe me. Never say never, just come support us with everything that you have,” he said.  

A victory for Zimbabwe would lift them out of last place. Meanwhile, depending on the outcome of the match between Lesotho and Rwanda, also scheduled for Tuesday at Moses Mabhida Stadium (18:00), a convincing win could see Hugo Broos’ side take the top spot in the group.

Article by Trevor Magoro