Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in NDOLA, Zambia
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda said her team possesses adequate spirit and heart to stop Zambia in the 4Nations Women’s Championship final at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium this evening.
The match kicks off at 6pm.
Zambia have, in recent years, always bossed Zimbabwe, with the latest such punch coming in the final of yet another 4Nations tournament in Malawi.
Zambia claimed on a 3-1 victory.
And, on paper, the Copper Queens look stronger as they boast international playing personnel who will be playing in the WAFCON finals in Morocco next month.
But Sibanda is unfazed by both the recent history and the names that Zambia carry into today’s match.
That Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-1 in their semifinal and Zambia needed penalties to get past Kenya is also a source of inspiration and motivation for the veteran coach.
“I think we last beat Zambia some years ago, maybe in 2019. Of late, they have been dominating us but we can’t continue on that trajectory,” said Sibanda.
“I know this final won’t be easy. Zambia are preparing for the WAFCON finals and they would want a statement win that will lift their confidence going to Morocco.
“As such, the crowd, which will be their 12th man, will also turn out really for them.
“But I think we have enough depth and quality in our team. The mood the girls are in right now is so encouraging.
“They have the heart and enough motivation to beat Zambia. We came here, all the way from Zimbabwe for only one thing; to win.
“It doesn’t really matter who we play against. What matters is that we win. Of course, this is going to be one of the most difficult finals we would have to play but we are prepared for it.”
She added:
“Last December we played this same final against Zambia in Malawi and we lost. We can’t always be losing.
“We will put in all the fight that we have in our hands. “We will leave everything in the pitch. If we are to lose, we have to lose but not without putting in the fight.
“It’s going to be difficult but not only for us but for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.”
Mighty Warriors captain Emmaculate Msipa said:
“I do have a lot of confidence in our team. You see we have a lot of youngsters who we are trying to guide through the process.
“They have the energy and the quality to navigate through jungles.
“This is what we have right now. We have been telling them to focus and the response has been nothing but very positive.
“They know this is the platform for them to showcase what they have in their respective armouries. We have told them this can be the chance for them to scouted and go where their dreams are.”
