Ndhlovu reflects on inspirational hat-trick for Warriors

by Staff Reporter

Friday Jul 23, 2021. 10:01

Kabwe Warriors striker Jimmy Ndhlovu reflects on his last day of the season hat-trick that helped the Railwaymen end their 28-year continental absence to qualify for the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup.

Ndhlovu’s three goals in Warriors’ 3-2 home win over demoted Indeni on the final day of the 2020/2021 FAZ Super League season on June 27 sealed the Kabwe clubs’ top four finish to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

The striker ended the campaign with seven league goals.

“I was reliably told that the last time Kabwe Warriors participated in CAF competition was 30 years ago, so we had a lot of pressure on our shoulders and looking at how tight the table was and any slip-up or even a draw would have seen us not to play in the CAF games,” Ndhlovu told AF.

“So we had to work our socks off and I am so happy that I managed to help the team and contributed where it really mattered most.”

Warriors finished fourth and tied on 51 points with third place finishers Red Arrows who will also go into the August 15 draws in Cairo for next seasons CAF Confederation Cup that kicks off on September 10.

Runners-up Zanaco and champions Zesco United, who will be playing in the CAF Champions League, finished on 55 and 71 points respectively.

“I am so happy and we are looking forward to what is coming up next. You know, CAF is a different area altogether, it is a different stage,” Ndhlovu said.

“We also know that people are expecting us to compete and not just to participate like just playing in the first round and you are out.”