Sports Reporter
NOW that he has virtually won the league championship, Tinashe Nengomasha probably has spare time to give some tips to the Warriors as they embark on their latest World Cup qualifying campaign.
The 40-year-old is on the verge of sealing his first league title, on home soil, as part of the management team of Ngezi Platinum Stars, who now stand on the threshold of glory.
The Mashonaland West club moved SEVEN points clear of the chasing pack, with just three games to play, after a 2-1 win over Sheasham at Baobab yesterday.
With Dynamos and FC Platinum cancelling out each other, in a goalless draw at Baobab, it means that Ngezi need just one win to be absolutely sure of a maiden league title, irrespective of what happens elsewhere.
Nengomasha has been part of the Ngezi management team since his arrival last year and survived the sacking of coach Benjani Mwaruwari.
Even though he has been the best team manager in the domestic Premiership this season, he was overlooked for the same job for the Warriors by the ZIFA leadership.
But, Warriors coach Baltemar Brito could help his cause by getting some insights from the man, affectionately known as “The General,” when it comes to the mission to try and beat Rwanda in their backyard.
The Warriors’ first World Cup qualifier is against Rwanda in Kigali before they meet Nigeria.
Ironically, then as now, the Super Eagles of Nigeria were also part of the Warriors’ World Cup qualifying group.
Nengomasha was part of the Warriors team, which took on Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier, in July 2004, and beat them in their backyard.
On July 3, 2004, the Warriors and the Amavubi of Rwanda went head-to-head in Kigali.
Peter Ndlovu powered the Warriors into the lead in the 41st minute before Nengomasha provided the insurance goal in the 79th minute.
Of course, a lot has changed since Nengomasha was last in Rwanda with the Warriors.
But, there is no harm just picking a tip, or two, of how they went about their business and picked a rare win on the road for the team.
This was a competitive Warriors side, which also picked a point in Algeria, after coming from 0-2 down to force a 2-2 draw, with Peter and Shingi Kawondera on target.
They eventually finished third in their group, ahead of the Algerians, and while this was not good for a place at the World Cup, it was enough to win them a second successive appearance at the Nations Cup finals.