Blessing Malinganiza
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE international defender, Ronald Pfumbidzai, says he is happy to be back as part of the Warriors who have just returned to international football after an 18-month FIFA ban.
While the Warriors have played a couple of international friendlies with home-based players, they return to competitive football next month for the start of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The SuperSport defender is part of the preliminary squad that had a training camp during the FIFA break from Wednesday last week and says it was always his prayer to see Zimbabwe back in the fold.
The four-day Warriors training camp was organised to give Warriors coach Baltemar Brito an opportunity to assess available players ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
“We are happy to be part of the squad. It’s something that we always wanted as players.
“We wished for the ban to be lifted, because not playing international football wasn’t good for us as players.
“I had a great time here in camp and took time to know some players whom I had never met.
“So, this was good for us.”
He added:
“We learnt a lot from the coaches and we had some positivity as a group.
“I think everyone made an effort to put their best in training and what’s left now is to go back to our respective clubs and do well so that we earn the national team call-up.”
There were 30 players in camp and they had four extensive training sessions, including a training game with a ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League select, which they lost 3-1.
“I now shift my focus to the club. It’s back to business but I had a great time being in the team and also back home with my family.
“I had missed them.
“At the club, I can’t say much right now but I’m happy there. I am getting game time and my aim is to just help them in achieving their targets,” he said.