Zimbabwe’s coach Jairos Tapera praises team’s performance despite COSAFA Cup exit

ZIMSPHERE 

JAIROS Tapera, the coach of Zimbabwe men's national team the Warriors, said he was pleased with his player's performances at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, despite having exited the tournament after a 2-0 loss to Kenya on Tuesday. 

Image: Soccer24.co.zw

The Warriors registered a strong start at the tournament, securing two victories over Comoros and Zambia that saw them leading Group B with six points ahead of the tie against Kenya. 

Speaking after the match on Tuesday, Tapera said that although disappointed in failing to reach the knockout phase of the COSAFA Cup tournament, he was pleased with the performance of his players. 

“I can’t say I am proud of the six points that we got because there was a chance for us to qualify for the knockout stage,” Tapera said. 

“But I am proud of the performance of the boys. Most of these guys, it was their first time to play in an international competition and they showed a lot of skill and organisation, which I feel if given an opportunity, they can graduate to the next level.

“Apart from the result, I’m proud of the boys. They showed a lot of courage and going forward I am sure we will have a stable national team.”