daniel chigunwe
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SPORT, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Minister Kirsty Coventry has commended the ZIFA executive committee for their efforts to create equal opportunities for female players with their male counterparts, as she rallied the Mighty Warriors ahead of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tie against Angola.
Zimbabwe take on Angola on Thursday in the WAFCON first round, first leg encounter in Luanda.
The Mighty Warriors, who left for Luanda yesterday afternoon after also having a send-off dinner hosted for them in Harare by the ZIFA leadership on Sunday night, will then host the Angolans on February 26 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa.
Coventry, accompanied by her deputy Emily Jesaya and the acting permanent secretary in the Ministry Eugenia Chidhakwa, took time to be with the Mighty Warriors and their management on Sunday afternoon, during which she commended ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi and his board for seeking gender parity.
“I was very happy to hear from the president (Nqobile Magwizi) that the board are taking our women’s team seriously,’’ Coventry said.
“That they are lifting the money that will be coming to you, which is, from my point of view as a female athlete, very important.
“And that they are committed to ensuring that they find ways of continuing to increase the amount until we get to equality with the men’s team.
“I am really very proud of the ZIFA board for making that commitment.”
“We know that it’s going to take some time, but just the fact that the board and the president are making that commitment is a really good first step,” said Coventry.
Coventry was charmed by the team spirit displayed by the players, which is said to be also key to success.
“I have such a good feeling in my heart from just watching your interactions today.
“That is the most important part when you go out and you represent the country as a team; it’s to be a team; it’s to support each other . . . You are already halfway there; you are already halfway to success.
“Being able to figure out how to lean on each other, how to work with each other, how to support each other,” said Coventry.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for sport, starting with the facilities.
“We know that we have got some work to do when it comes to our facilities, and we are working hard to ensure that those facilities are going to be up to scratch.
“I have already had conversations with the President (President Mnangagwa) on what that looks like in the future, to make sure that we are playing football back on home turf.
“We know that’s important, not just for all of you, but for the people of our country, for the citizens who support all of you on these journeys, and it’s vitally important for ourselves as a Ministry and for His Excellency, our President’’. Magwizi reaffirmed their support for the team.
“This journey is not just about playing a match; it is about carrying the hopes and aspirations of an entire nation.
“We stand here today, not only to commend our athletes but also to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to their growth, development, and success. “Under the exceptional leadership of coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, our team is in capable hands,” said Magwizi.
The Mighty Warriors last participated at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2016, the same year in which they also hogged the limelight with their qualification for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They will be out to secure their spot at next year’s edition to be staged in Morocco.
Magwizi had some words of encouragement for the team.
“Mighty Warriors, as you depart for Angola, you have our full support.
“You are the pride of Zimbabwe, and you carry our dreams with you.
“Play with heart, play with purpose, and know that you have an entire nation behind you. The road to WAFCON starts now, and together, we will make this dream a reality!”
The ZIFA president urged the nation to throw its full weight behind the Mighty Warriors as they embark on their campaign.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter