(April 22,2005) YOUNG Warriors coach Madinda Ndlovu has singled out Nigeria as the major threat to Zimbabwe’s quest for glory in the African Youth Championships, to be held in the Gambia from May 7 to 21. Speaking to a group of journalists in Harare yesterday, Ndlovu said the Nigerians – who are the defending champions – will be the most difficult to beat in a group that also includes Ivory Coast and South Africa. “It will be tough because all the teams are strong but Nigeria will be the hardest to beat,” said Ndlovu when asked about the chances of his team in the continental tournament.

“Nigeria are the defending champions and naturally they would want to retain their title. They will be a very difficult team to beat but this does not mean that we are already conceding defeat. “We are in a very difficult group because all the teams are good.

Ivory Coast are one of the best teams in Africa and South Africa have also been doing very well. However, I think that our boys will be able to hold their own and it is important for the nation to support them.

“As a coach, one always aims to win a particular tournament but I am more concerned about how the boys will perform on the field of play because like I have said before, we are in the process of moulding a team for the future,” he added.

Ndlovu is buoyed by the fact that he does not have any injured players within his ensemble and is likely to take his full strength squad to the Gambia.

Ndlovu, together with Clayton Munemo and Benjamin Moyo on the technical department, have maintained that their mandate is to mould a team for the 2008 Olympic Games in China and eventually the 2010 World Cup to be hosted by neighbours South Africa.

While two Harare based academies – Agatha Shaneti and Black Aces – provide the bulk of the Young Warriors, efforts have been made to scout for talent throughout the country.