SHINGI Kawondera — hero of the victory over Angola in the last World Cup/African Nations Cup soccer qualifier — is ready to play another key role as the Warriors continue their quest for glory with a tricky tie against Gabon at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday. The striker, who plays for Cypriot club Atletico Paphos, yesterday said he was keen to build on his superb performance which turned the game on its head against Angola. Kawondera, who was introduced as a substitute in that match, opened the scoring in the 2-0 win and was easily the outstanding player in the Warriors team.

After missing Nations Cup duty in Tunisia last year because of injury, Kawondera feels he should be part of the continental showcase in Egypt next year.

"It hurt and disappointed me a lot when I missed out on the Nations Cup the last time because deep down I knew I would have played a crucial role for my country. It was so painful."

Kawondera has always showed great promise only to be overlooked by successive coaches who have taken command of the Warriors. Sunday Chidzambwa had faith in his abilities, but fate ruled him out of the Tunisia finals. Rahman Gumbo then gave him another chance only for damaging allegations, in which he was accused of having sneaked out of camp on the eve of the match against Nigeria to go to a nightclub. But he has fought back brilliantly and against Angola he turned himself into the darling of the crowd with his match-winning performance.

He claims that was only the beginning of better days to come. "I want to continue from where I left. I want to do even better. I want to prove that if I’m given a start, I’m capable of doing more than I can when coming off the bench. "I know I can do something for my country. I can help out so that we can realise our dream." The 23-year-old believes that if the Warriors can collect four points in their next two games — against Gabon on Sunday and Algeria in two weeks’ time — Zifa might as well start making visa inquiries to Egypt. "We need to win this game (on Sunday). We need the three points and we can’t afford to drop points when we are playing at home. "I think if we can get four points in our next two games we will be there (in Egypt)." The Warriors have become one big family and the players have grown to know each other very well.

The coaches — Charles Mhlauri and Moses Chunga — have created a conducive environment in camp in contrast to the chaos that reigned before the forgettable 3-0 defeat to Nigeria last year. "I think everybody is prepared (for Sunday’s game). "There is discipline in camp and everyone is happy with the bonuses.

"The (Zifa) board has played its part and we will have only ourselves to blame if we don’t win on Sunday." Kawondera, however, said the likely absence of Benjani Mwaruwari would be a big a blow, but he believes there are a number of players who can fill in the gap. "Personally I spoke to him and he told me that he would not make it.

"We will miss him, but who knows, it could open the door for another star."

There is former Highlanders forward Zenzo Moyo, a player who might not be a favourite with the fans at the giant stadium, but who has always given his best shot for his country. Or maybe Mhlauri could throw in Quincy Antipas.

Chunga said their preparations have gone on well and they were doing everything to ensure that they gave the foreign-based players enough time to rest after a long and demanding season.

"They have had gruelling seasons and we have to be careful with them to make sure that they do not suffer from fatigue.

"We are monitoring them — that is why you saw some of them resting during training."

Chunga said they had shaken off some distractions to their preparations and were not worried about Gibson Homela whom Zifa had tried to rope into the technical team to assume the dubious role of director of coaching.

"The chairman, I assume, has dealt with the Homela issue as he had promised us. We are not worried about it now because we have got much bigger things to be concerned about.

"I think what everybody should do now is to stay focused on this game. We should now talk, eat and sleep football. "We are only left with two training sessions and we have to concentrate on this," said Chunga.

Only Esrom Nyandoro sat out yesterday’s morning workout with blisters, but Chunga said there was no reason to worry about his fitness.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will receive an undisclosed amount from their sponsors NetOne at their Kopje Plaza headquarters this afternoon. NetOne entered into a marriage with Zifa shortly before the Warriors’ tie against Angola when they gave the squad $200 million.

Another $100m was handed over to the team after the match with NetOne managing director Reward Kangai saying they were looking forward to a future partnership. Zifa chairman Rafik Khan said more sponsorship was being sourced by the association for all the national teams.

"There are some people who want to sit on the fence and then make a commitment later, but I am sure they will be coming on board if we win this game.

"We started making inroads following the game against Angola and it’s good if we continue from there," said Khan.