England-based Warriors midfielder Andy Rinomhota is confident that the senior national football team can beat both Lesotho and South Africa in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe play their third match of the qualifiers against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium in South Africa on Friday before clashing with South Africa at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday next week.
The Cardiff City star is part of the Warriors squad currently in camp under interim coach Jairos Tapera and his technical team.
“For us I think we just want to try and win both games, put in good performances and build on for the next camp so it is always about progression,” the 27-year- old player said.
“And even for myself I want to carry on from my previous performances, try to do my best, for myself, for the team and for my fellow players. They expect a level from me so I try to give that to them and I expect the same from them. So everyone is in it together as a team as a country so we just have to push on,” he said.
Born in Leeds, England, Rinomhota made his Zimbabwe debut in a World Cup qualifier against Nigeria in Rwanda last year and earned two more caps at the Four Nations Tournament back in March.
The central midfielder has impressed each time he has donned the Warriors jersey.
He is excited to be back on national duty and to work under the technical team.
“It’s good to be back in camp, it’s good to see the faces from before, we got to catch up. There is excitement for these two (upcoming) games. It’s a big week so we are looking forward to the challenge and the experience and just look to push on as best as we can in the next two games.
“He (Jairos Tapera) has made a good impression; he is a good guy and he has got a lot of experience. I think it will be a pleasure to work under him,” Rinomhota said.
Defender Brendon Galloway is out of the two fixtures due to injury.
Zimbabwe are currently fifth in the six – team Group C World Cup qualifiers standings with two points from two matches, two behind leaders Rwanda.
Benin are bottom of the standings with one point.