Snodia Mikiri, Sports Reporter
Warriors and Dynamos goalkeeper Simbarashe Chinani said he is playing catch up after he joined the CHAN camp later than the rest of the guys.
Chinani was in Russia for trials with top-flight side, Rubin Kazan. He returned home and joined camp on Tuesday having spent more than a month in Russia. He did his first training session with the warriors on Wednesday.
“The camp is good. I am playing catch up here. My teammates have grasped the philosophy while I am still learning about it.
“There are changes, a lot actually. We have a new coach so things were bound to change.
“Unlike other players, I came late here. I am not giving myself unnecessary pressure, I know I will learn and master soon,” said Chinani.
Zimbabwe were set to break camp yesterday but they did not owing to numerous reasons amongst them were financial issues.
The CHAN tournament was posted to a later date as a measure to prevent the corona-virus pandemic.
Chinani said he is learning.
“The coach wants us to start the restarts not to do the long balls always.
“There are a lot expected from a model goal keeper and he wants us to be skillful and be more effective in distributing the balls.
“He wants us to be fast, read the game and detect the pace, so far that is what I have learnt. That is what they are emphasizing much on,” he added.
The 24-year-old goalie said he is anticipating a good season.
The youngster had a good year in the 2019 season, with his crucial saves keeping Dembare afloat.
Chinani said he wants to start his 2020 on a good note by giving a good performance at the upcoming tournament.
“This is a chance for us to start demonstrating good performance in the upcoming tournament.
“We have a very good squad and most of the guys I know them and football has much to do with knowing each other, the players have to be good that’s all.
“The goal is to try and work hard to make sure we perform better,” he said.
The former Yadah goalkeeper was in Russia for a trial stint where he went with teammate Nigel Katawa, who is expected in the country today.
The Dynamos goalie said it was time well spent as he said he learnt a lot on his trial stint.
“The trails went well and we are now waiting to hear from them.
“I am waiting for them to call me. But everything went on as planned and I am expecting to hear from them soon,” he said.
– HMETRO
