Warriors star winger Tawanda Maswanhise
WARRIORS star winger Tawanda Maswanhise has set himself two colossal targets at this year's Africa Cup of Nations finals set for Morocco, beginning next month.
He wants to outshine Egyptian king Mo Salah and to guide Zimbabwe into the group stages of the competition for the first time in the country’s history.
The speedy winger, who has hit top gear at his club Motherwell, is brimming with confidence ahead of Zimbabwe’s return to the continental showpiece.
The 22-year-old is the leading goalscorer for his Scottish Premiership side this season, with nine goals in 17 games.
Zimbabwe kick off its campaign on December 22 in a proper David versus Goliath clash against Egypt, the seven-time champions.
While the Warriors are 350/1 long shots to lift the silverware, the England-born star is relishing the challenge and the chance to make a name for himself on the big stage.
“Afcon is massive in Africa, obviously, there’s going to be a lot of people watching across Europe. So, I want to do my best and show my talent,” Maswanhise said.
“It’s going to be my first one, so hopefully it’s a good experience. We play Egypt in the first game on December 22. That’s what I’m there for, playing against the top players, that’s what you want to be around.”
Maswanhise is not intimidated by the prospect of facing one of the world’s best, Salah.
His ambition is clear: to outperform the Liverpool talisman.
“Hopefully, I can make a name for myself when I’m playing against players like Salah,” he said.
“You've got to keep the excitement inside you and focus on your game, that’s what football is about. Hopefully, I can outperform him - but it’s going to take quite a lot.”
Beyond individual glory, Maswanhise is focused on collective success.
The Warriors narrowly lost 1-0 to the Pharaohs in their 2019 Afcon opener. The winger is hungry for a different result this time around.
“It would be a great way to do it if we can beat Egypt,” he said. “We’re going there as underdogs, and no one knows what to expect from us. If we do show up, then everything will be good.”
Zimbabwe’s path to the knockout stages also involves games against Angola on December 26 and neighbours South Africa, three days later.
Maswanhise’s sights are firmly set on securing enough points for a historic passage to the knockout stage.
“Hopefully we can get enough points to get through the group, that’s when the competition begins.”
In preparation for the tournament, Maswanhise has been called up by new Warriors coach Marian Marinica for two crucial international friendlies this week against Algeria and Qatar.
Zimbabwe will face Algeria on November 13 in Saudi Arabia, before taking on Qatar a few days later.
The star winger knows converting his red-hot club form to the national team is essential if he entertains any chance of making his big Afcon bow against the likes of Salah and spearheading Zimbabwe’s charge to the knockout rounds.
Warriors Squad
Goalkeepers: Washington Arubi (Marumo Gallants FC), Elvis Chipezeze (Magesi FC), Martin Mapisa (MWOS FC)
Defenders: Gerald Takwara (Al Ittihad Misurata SC, Libya), Munashe Garananga (FC Copenhagen), Godknows Murwira (Scottland FC),
Emmanuel Jalai (Dynamos FC), Teenage Hadebe (FC Cincinnati), Divine Lunga (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Brandon Galloway (Plymouth Argyle FC), Isheanesu Mauchi (Simba Bhora FC)
Midfielders: Jonah Fabisch (FC Erzgebirge Aue), Tawanda Chirewa (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC), Marvelous Nakamba (Luton Town FC),
Sean Fusire (Sheffield Wednesday FC), Prosper Padera (SJK Seinäjoki), Jordan Zemura (Udinese),
Daniel Msendami (Marumo Gallants FC), Tivonge Rushesha (Reading FC)
Strikers: Prince Dube (Young Africans SC),
Washington Navaya (TelOne FC), Tawanda Maswanhise (Motherwell FC), Bill Antonio (KV Mechelen FC), Walter Musona (Scottland FC)
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