The Four Nations Tournament for seniors gets underway this afternoon with Zambia’s Chipolopolo taking on Zimbabwe’s Warriors at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Thereafter, hosts Malawi’s Flames will take to the stage against Kenya’s Harambee Stars at the same venue.
All the four teams’ coaches are speaking one language ahead of the opening day’s matches: Victory is a must.
Flames coach Patrick Mabedi said his charges are more than ready for the tournament.
The tactician said he will use the tournament to try our different combinations after calling some new players into the squad.
Said Mabedi: “As you know, we already have a team, but it is still under construction. So, we have to see if they can fit in. It is
important to try different combinations.”
The coach said the morale in camp was high with new players fitting well in his set up.
“They are gelling in well. It is amazing because it’s like they joined us long time ago,” he said.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat also has the same plan, having called into camp new faces.
He said: “Now, it is up to the new players to seize the moment and prove that they deserve to be in the team.
“This tournament is also the last build-up for the World Cup qualifiers in June, so it gives us a chance to see where we stand.”
On his part, Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant said the tournament presents him an opportunity to fine tune ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
But he was quick to say winning the tournament is also a must.
“To be honest, this we want to win every game and create the winning mentality.
“So, yes, we also want to win the tournament.”
Warriors interim coach Norman Mapeza also said he was looking forward to the tournament.
“First of all, we need to win our games and secondly, it has much to do with the assessment of these guys who have not been here before. So there are clear objectives here,” said the Warriors legend.
