Warriors defender, Eric Chipeta, has said it will be pivotal for Warriors to start off on a high when they clash against Mozambique in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Castle Cup at the Moruleng Stadium in North West province in South Africa this evening.
The four-time COSAFA Castle Cup winning Warriors left the country for the tournament on Friday and will be participating in group B together with Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelles today.
Speaking to journalists, Chipeta, a COSAFA Castle Cup 2013 finalist, said the Warriors, who have a new breed of players, need to get off to a flying start to ensure that they will not crumble in the next stages of the tournament.
“I think like I said, last time I played in this tournament we lost in the final. So for us the key is to start well, that’s the most important thing about the tournament. If you start well, all the games that will be coming you will be having confidence,” he said.
The 26-year-old Ajax Cape Town defender cum midfielder said the squad, which was called up by veteran and two-time COSAFA winning gaffer, Sunday Chidzambwa, for this year’s edition of the tournament, started preparations well and is showing a lot of promise.
“I think we have started well, I think everyone that was called by the coach is here. I see a lot of new faces, energetic guys and good players.
“I think it’s (participation) healthy for the guys that were called up to the squad so that they will prove themselves at the international level,” he said.
Chipeta urged Warriors supporters back home and abroad to rally behind the squad that will represent the nation in their quest for a fifth COSAFA title.
“I think they (Warriors supporters) should get behind the guys. Some of them are new to the set up, I know that when you are coming up to the national team you will be a little bit nervous, you won’t express yourself, but I think if we support one another we’ll do better in this tournament,” he said.
The Warriors clash against Mozambique today at 17.00hrs GMT + 2.
