Nyirenda upbeat despite draw

Tue, 28 Mar 2017 11:22:31 +0000

By Michael Miyoba

Nyirenda said the Chipolopolo played a good game despite missing a lot of chances.

“Today’s game was a good game. My team played good football. We created a lot of chances and could have scored three times had we been prolific upfront,” Nyirenda said.

He noted that the game was a good build-up for the CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nation’s qualifiers and applauded the Zimbabwean national team for putting up a great performance against the Chipolopolo.

“The game was a good build-up ahead of our preparations for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifiers.

“Zimbabwe gave us a good run. They played good, well organized football and were able to withstand our pressure and credit should go to the coach for being able to organize a good team within a short period,” he said.

And national team goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, who was part of the Chipolopolo that lost to 1-0 to Zimbabwe on November 5, 2016, in an international friendly, said he was impressed with the outcome of the game.

Mweene noted that the team played well despite not being able to find the back of the net.

“I think it was a good game. The team comprised of local players some of which were playing for the national team for the first time but did well,” Mweene said.

Being the only foreign-based player in the team, the Mamelodi Sundowns’ shot stopper said senior players were crucial as they help upcoming players to fit in the national team.

“The coach needs our support as senior players as we help upcoming players to fit in the national team,” he said.