All-female Mighty Warriors’ set up praised

THE Mighty Warriors’ newly appointed all-female technical team has been met with enthusiasm from football enthusiasts.

Leading the staff is head coach Sithethelelwe “ Kwinji 15” Sibanda.

Director of Lobengula Queens, Sibekiwe Ndlovu, stated that Zimbabwe’s women’s football scene is forging a new perspective.

This is evidenced by their triumphant rise to claim positions in a sport dominated by men, exemplified by the announcement of the new technical team by Zifa.

“The appointed team is not new in the football set-up. We have mostly former players and I’m sure they know what it entails to be there.

“Women have to prove their critics wrong by dispelling the myth that women can’t work together. As women in football, we have to change that narrative. Let’s uplift each other, let’s rally behind these ladies that have been appointed to lead our senior ladies’ team, the Mighty Warriors,” said Ndlovu.

She said the girls will benefit from this new set up and they are happy to finally have been heard as women.

“Having mature women leading the team will be beneficial to the girls. The coaches understand girls’ unique challenges and can offer tailored guidance. They will also mentor these young girls and provide support, encouragement, and constructive feedback.

“Girls feel comfortable sharing concerns and ideas with female coaches. They are likely to engage more in sports and activities with a female technical set up. I wish the technical team remains united and works as a collective.

 

“I am delighted to see that someone somewhere has finally heard what we have been advocating for as women in soccer. I also wish the players to take this call-up seriously, work extra hard, listen to their coaches, focus and enjoy the game. Go out there and lift the Zimbabwe flag and make the nation proud,” said Ndlovu.

Theresa Maguraushe, the interim chairperson of the Heart Women’s Soccer League, said she is honoured to lead such a ground-breaking initiative showcasing an experienced all-female technical team to guide the national team.

“The Mighty Warriors team has set a benchmark, making history with the appointment of an all-female technical team, marking a significant milestone in empowering women in sports.

“Zifa and the Heart Soccer League are committed to providing players and the technical team with the best possible support to succeed in the Cosafa Championship through our head coach Kwinji 15,” said Maguraushe.

Sizolwethu Dube, a Heart Women’s Soccer League board member, said she supports the all-female technical team because this initiative will prove that women can take care of their own business and this will uplift the Girl Child.

“I’m 100 percent behind the initiative. Fifa recommends that and this is the beginning of a new era in women’s football. Girls will be motivated and it is good to have women taking care of their own for a change.

“As women, we are happy to do things on our own and this is a window for us to see our flaws as women and learn from them. We will appreciate advice from our male counterparts during this period but we are mostly happy that we will be handling our affairs as women,” said Dube.

Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo, a former Mighty Warriors midfield maestro, said this set-up is good for the Girl Child as it will reduce the risk of abuse and make communication easier for the girls.

“I think it’s fair to let women take the lead. It’s for women by women and this will prove that they can do what their counterparts do best. There will be less abuse and it will be easy for them to communicate their personal problems in a safe environment,” said Moyo.

Lee “Sporo” Mangena of Streetset FC said women should take charge of their game.
“I think that more lady club owners are needed. This will support and uplift them in the game of soccer,” said Mangena.

However, Watson Phiri, the  Bulawayo Galaxy coach, said he was disappointed that there was no single male in the line-up, saying the team still needs the expertise of its male counterparts.

“Yes I understand it’s the Mighty Warriors, but they needed just one male with experience as well. But it’s an exciting set-up. My main focus is on coach Kwinji because she’s highly qualified and well experienced, and given a chance she will lead the team to greater heights,” said Phiri.

The New Mighty Warriors Technical Staff
Head Coach- Sithethelelwe Sibanda, Assistant Coach – Primrose Serima, Goalkeepers Coach – Onai Chingawo, Team Manager – Debra Magura, Team Doctor – Margaret Maulana, Physiotherapist – Kudzanai Matavire, Kit Manager – Fungai Mpfeka, Media Officer – Chionisi Mashakada. – (@The Chronicle)