Tough as teak defender, Thomas “Rambo” Sweswe believes that he and his teammates can go out and beat Mali this coming weekend when the two teams square up in an Orange African Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday, 26 March 2011 in Bamako.

Sweswe who was joined by his Club teammate, Tinashe Nengomasha for the qualifier is one of the key players in the team that has been called up by Coach, Norman Mapeza. They now will be looking for an improved performance following an uninspiring draw against Cape Verde back in October last year.

“It is very important that we adopt a winning mentality following our draw against Cape Verde last October. I have all the belief in the squad despite missing some players that we can go out and beat Mali at their own backyard, “said the confident Sweswe speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Tuesday.

“Mali is a quality all around even without the likes of Frederick Kanoute who has announced his retirement. They have top players who are playing in Europe so they will be tough. It is important for us to focus on our preparations. We have a good mix of both young and old players who can do the job for the national team,” said Sweswe.

Zimbabwe travel to Mali without the services of England based hitman, Benjani Mwaruwaru who has since announced his retirement in the national team, “Benjani will be missed not only on the field of play but for what he brings in the team,”

He has made a huge contribution in the development of football in Zimbabwe and is still raising our flag high in the Premiership in England. We are lucky though to have good strikers coming up through the system. The likes of Knowledge Musona (currently injured), Nyasha Mushekwi have what it takes to take over where he has left of,” added Sweswe.