Zimbabwe 'running own COSAFA Cup race' – Marange

Photo Credit: COSAFA media.

Zimbabwe’s stand-in coach, Tagarira Marange, was philosophical after a 2-0 loss to hosts South Africa in the COSAFA Cup on Saturday, saying the Warriors are running their own race.

Having said his players could not perform miracles to beat Mauritius in the Group A opener a few days ago, the youthful tactician was again philosophical.

In a post-match interview with COSAFA media on Saturday, Marange suggested that his Warriors were not at the tournament to compete with others, but to grow.

“We played against a better team today in many aspects of the game — faster, quicker, stronger, and technically much better than us,” Marange said.

“But like I said at the beginning of the tournament, we are running our own race. We know who we brought here, why we brought them here, and what the objectives are.

"Today serves as a great learning curve. We have to ask, ‘Where can I improve the players and myself as a coach?' It was a difficult game for the youngsters for the most part, but that is the only way they can learn.”

 Zimbabwe’s final group fixture will be against Mozambique on June 10. Only the group winner will advance to the semi-finals.