Gringo back in the fold

The Mighty Warriors trooped into camp two weeks ago and on Saturday beat Zambia 3-1 at the Colliery in a warm-up match.
With the Young Mighty Warriors having already felt the might of the Nigerians after being knocked out of the Fifa Under-20 Word Cup qualifiers, Mugadza has opted to pluck players from the archives in a bid to try and use their experience to stop the Super Falcons. The winner of the game between the Mighty Warriors and the Super Falcons will win a ticket to the tournament, which will  be held in Equatorial Guinea in October.

Mugadza’s charges are expected to engage Tanzania in their last warm up match in Dar-es-laam before they welcome the World Cup finalists on May 27 at Rufaro.
The Mighty Warriors snubbed the offer by neighbours South Africa to have a friendly match as Banyana Banyana prepare for their qualifier against Zambia and opted for the East Africans.

Mugadza yesterday made five additions to the squad that is prepring for the Nigeria showdown.
She had 20 players who traveled to Hwange for the friendly against Zambia.
Inline Academy’s Mpala, Phiri who turns out for New Orleans,  Under-20 duo of goalkeeper Portia Mukucha and Rumbidzai Gora and Masvingo Queens Chido Muvavarirwa are the new additions that hav been called to join camp in the capital.
Mpala and Phiri were part of the Mighty Warriors team, at the turn of the millennium, which featured in the Africa Cup of Nations and Cosafa finals together with former captain Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo, Under-20 assistant coach Sitheleliwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, Ruth Banda with Mugadza their captain.

After watching her charges coming from behind with a better showing in the second half against She-polopolo, Mugadza, said the team which was inactive for two months hasn’t lost much shape.
Mugadza also used the match to try out new combinations in defence as she tries to fill the gaps left by left back Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri and Black Rhinos Talent Mandaza.

Mutyavaviri is on a three-month attachment at Swedish top flight side Kalmer FC, while the Black Rhinos defenders duo of Mandaza and Patience Mujuru, are away for six months undergoing military training.
On Saturday, Black Rhinos defender Viola Ndlovu, playing her debut match for the senior team did well on the left back while another newcomer Tallet Mazetesa played on the right.

Returning centre back Lilian Masase who was in Norway since mid-year last year is also back into the fold and partnered Nobuhle Majika in the heart of defence.
“My defence really played well. Viola came into the team and played as she has been part of the team combining well with Nokuthula on the left link and we didn’t feel Ruvimbo’s absence.
“Tallet and Lilian also played and need to improve on their fitness levels.

“We need to work hard especially on the strike force and midfield and we are not breaking camp until we meet Nigeria. We are hoping to have another friendly match against Tanzania and it should help us further assess the team,” said Mugadza.