Warriors fans bay for Gorowa's head

Angry Warriors' fans that came in droves to support the team's quest for a victory against the Taifa Stars Sunday poured scorn on the team's head coach, Ian Gorowa after Zimbabwe could only draw 2-2 at home to bow out of the race for a place in next year's 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

After losing 1-0 to Tanzania in the first round, first leg in Dar es Salaam a fortnight ago, Zimbabwe needed to beat Tanzania by two clear goals in the return leg at the National Sports Stadium in the capital, but only managed a draw as they were eliminated by a team they were heavily tipped to overcome with ease when the first round draw was conducted in April.

So angry were the multitudes of Warriors followers that some pelted Gorowa with an assortment of missiles as he made his way to the dressing rooms at the end of the match.

The Zimbabwe Mail caught up with a number of disappointed fans and football analysts after the match, who spoke out on the Wariors' disappointing display.

Soccer pundit and commentator, Archie Mundava pointed out that besides the home side's shambolic performance, the Taifa Stars proved that there are no longer minnows in the game.

"Our greatest undoing was that the central midfielders were playing a dual role. The twin link-men were good while defending, but were out of sorts when going for the offensive," he said.

"The other time Cape Verde came here as minnows, but managed to steal a point and now the Blue Sharks are a force to reckon with on the continent. Tanzania, too,  has shown that there are no longer small teams in football."

He further pointed out that, the East Africans were a much better team, and their players exhibited a mature show, compared to the Warriors' higgledy-piggledy showing.

"The Taifa Stars played well and were tactically superior. We had seven corner kicks and only converted one. Our attack was toothless and we only managed to score though our defensive midfield players," said Mundava.

"The key point is that the team failed to come to the party and was also guilty of missing a plethora of gilt-edged chances."

Warriors' fan, Cletos Nyoni who was visibly angry at the end of the match, called for the sacking of Gorowa.

"The team requires an experienced coach. Gorowa and his assistants must just pack their bags and vacate the biggest football coaching job in the land," he said.

Another supporter, Thomas Ngwende echoed the same sentiments, saying that an experienced coach is a must for the national team if Zifa entertain any hope of developing  football in the country.

"We desperately need a good coach for the team, preferably an expatriate mentor with enough football knowledge," he said.

"Soccer is not a circus, but a serious business that calls for seriousness and much attention from all stakeholders involved.

"The team failed to play effectively from the wings. Our greatest undoing is also the bickering that marred the team's camp on the eve of the match. More money must be directed to soccer development."

Edmore Kaseke said the disappointing display from the Warriors was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Dai taswera zvedu kumaboozer zvirinani (It was better for me to have spent my day playing social soccer than watch this game).

"I am so heartbroken about the overall performance from the team. If l was the president, I would have incarcerated all the players for throwing spanners in the works.

"Their body language in the field of play speaks volumes. They were not interested at all," he said.

Other supporters blamed the coach for turning a blind eye on some players who could have added steel and flair to the squad.