Mhlauri cool on improved Warriors Fifa ranking

Mhlauri cool on improved Warriors Fifa ranking

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By Mutongi Gava

ZIMBABWE'S Warriors Wednesday climbed up the Fifa World rankings but head coach Charles Mhlauri refuses to read much into the rankings.

Mhlauri has recently come under fire from some sections of the media after Zimbabwe dropped to their worst ever position on the World rankings - 82nd.

But after a 3-2 win over Namibia last week, the Warriors moved up to 76th while ascending one rung in Africa to 17th.

But Mhlauri is not the man to consider these rankings.

"I have always said these Fifa rankings do not really matter to me. What matters more to me are achievements rather being ranked top whether in Africa or the world. My emphasis is on development than winning every game that comes," he said.

"Getting a sound team for the 2010 World Cup is priority than anything else. But it is also positive that we have climbed the ladder," said the former CAPS United coach.

Zimbabwe are playing in Group 12 of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers which includes Malawi and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

The Warriors lost their opening match 1-0 away to Malawi in Blantyre last month - a result that put a dark cloud over the team's campaign for their third successive appearance at the finals.

Having beaten Malawi 2-0 in Rabat, Morocco, the continental giants, now sit on top of the three team log while Malawi are second.
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