Saturday, 03 November 2012 19:56
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Peter Ndlovu has now shifted his attention to the national Under-23 side where he is the mentor.
The former Warriors captain and Coventry City star was part of the senior national team that was defeated in Angola in the 2013 African Cup of Nations campaign.Zifa have since asked for a technical report from head coach Rahman Gumbo.“At the moment we are idle but I have already spoken to the chief executive about my intentions because this is the right time to build up. I have been to all the provincial games, the Under-17 Copa Coca-Cola, so it is only that I need to put something together and present my programme to the association,’’ said Ndlovu.
“I will also lead by example like where the association has limited resources I shall bring in my own sponsors to help in terms of development of these juniors. I know December is already around the corner so maybe from January that’s when I will start rebuilding my Under-23s.’’Having stormed the English Premier League himself as a 17-year-old, Ndlovu said he intended to influence co-ordination in the development stages of players from the junior national teams to senior level.
He added that support for the Under-17 and Under-20 teams has been lacking, an attitude he felt had cascaded down to the fans who are reluctant to go to the stadia to watch the youngsters. “I think I have a huge task because once we talk about rebuilding, it should come from the Under-17 and Under-23 whereby it will be easier for the head coach of the senior national team to pick from there. This is where
our players come from and if we don’t see them until they are in the first team people would wonder kuti kamupfana aka kari kubva kupi (where did this young boy come from) yet you should have a chance of seeing that boy at Under-20, Under-23 or even Under-17 level.”
With Ndlovu having taken the post early this year and the Under-23 not having much activity, the Highlanders product still does not feel like he has occupied a ceremonial job?“No, I would like to be judged by results when we get to play. When the team emerges in competition and people say okay they had been silent but this is what they were cooking. I think it is better that way than presenting yourselves to the fans when you are not thoroughly prepared,’’ Ndlovu said.
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Article publié le Monday, November 5, 2012