adminEllina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors coach, Rosemary Mugadza has rallied her troops to remain focused ahead of tomorrow’s match against Zambia in the last qualifying round of the African Women’s Championships, first leg at Rufaro. In the first round Zimbabwe beat Botswana 1-0 in the first match and 2-1 in the return leg to progress to the last qualifying round and the Mighty Warriors has high hopes of progressing to the AWC to be staged in Namibia in October.
The team that wins in this round proceeds to the finals in Namibia.
Mugadza said tomorrow’s game is important not only for the team but for the nation as they seek to relive the glory days at the turn of the millennium when they qualified for the same competition in 2000, 2002 and in 2004.
“This game is very important for the nation as well as for the Mighty Warriors as you know that this is the last qualifying round for AWC championships in Namibia in October.
“As the Mighty Warriors we need to prevail and go to Namibia. We have been telling our girls that this is the chance they have at least to go and play at the highest level before the World Cup. This is one competition which is rated within Caf records.
“And it’s good for us as a nation to do our best and go back to where we where since we started in 2000 which we qualified as well as in 2002 and our last edition that was in 2004. This is the time to redeem ourself because we have the talent amongst the players that we have, they can carry the day going forward,” said Mugadza.
The Mighty Warriors gaffer is confident her charges will live up to expectations having won most of their matches at Rufaro Stadium and the fact that they have played and beaten Zambia before is also a boost for the team.
“This is the team that won Cosafa and I think we are in the right direction. This reminds us of 2011 when we played our All-Africa (Games) game, when we played Zambia at home and we won that game 1-0. Everyone was writing us off but we went to Zambia and won that game 3-1 but we have said to the girls they need to be composed to follow exactly what we have been doing at the training sessions and not to be under pressure of anything.
“They have played in Rufaro several times and they have managed to win most of the games. I remember very well we only lost twice against Nigeria and South Africa the first edition in 2010 of the Unity Cup in 2010 and we haven’t lost any match as of now.
“Rufaro has always produced good results for us as a team and we have adapted well at Rufaro. We hope that we will continue doing well. And with the grace of God everything is possible.
“All we need is for them (supporters) to come in their numbers to support us and as Mighty Warriors we haven’t disappointed them as yet and I think we will continue to give them the best that they deserve. All we need is their support,” said Mugadza.
Marjory Nyaumwe who is one of the seasoned players in the team said they are well prepared for the game and they are confident of a win.
“We are expecting a win because this is the last qualifying round for the African Championships qualification so we hope to win. We have been training well and we are just polishing up our skills. We will see on Sunday how it goes, I can’t say much,” Nyaumwe said.
Provisional Team
Chido Dzingirai, Erina Jeke, Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Emmaculate Msipa, Melody Musasa (Mufakose Queens), Felistas Muzongondi, Lindiwe Magwede, Danai Bhobho (Cyclone Stars), Rutendo Makore, Patience Mujuru, Kudakwashe Basopo, Talent Mandaza (Black Rhinos), Rudo Neshamba, Rhoda Jongondi, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Nobuhle Magika, Pamela Bvochora (Inline Academy), Pretty Machazi, Nokuthula Ndlovu, Prisca Khumalo (New Orleans), Polite Mahada (Mufakose), Berita Kabwe (Tenax Queens), Mavis Chirandu (Auckland Queens), Kudzanayi Chiparausha (Aces Youth Academy).
Online Reporter