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Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE is so much belief in the Herentals Queens camp ahead of their second appearance in the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifiers.
The tournament begins today at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa and runs until August 31.
“Vagoni Vebasa” who are in Group C, start their hunt with a date against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol tomorrow.
Zimbabwe’s representatives, who are the first from this country to play in this competition twice, arrived in the South African commercial capital early yesterday before carrying out their first training session in the afternoon.
And the vibe with which they are conducting themselves speaks volumes about their eagerness to win the cup despite potentially tough competition from seasoned campaigners Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) and Gaborone United of Botswana.
Alongside these two, the Student Queens are among the favourites to clinch the trophy at the second time of asking but their chances are seen as largely inferior to their Botswana and South African counterparts by bookmakers.
It is for this reason that they were the third seeds when COSAFA conducted the draw for the 10 teams to participate in this zonal eliminator whose winners will advance to the continental finals late this year.
But midfielder Shyline Dambamuromo has declared Herentals Queens are not in South Africa to cheer up the so-called favourites.
“We know we can compete and that is the only reason we’re here for,” said Dambamuromo.
“Most certainly, Herentals Queens can paste huge punches that are heavy enough to floor anyone.
“Fear is never a part of us as Herentals Queens. We have been Zimbabwe champions for three years and are chasing yet another championship this year.
“That means what is left for us is to show our mettle internationally. This is the chance and we are here to take it.
“Last year, we debuted, played well and then made mistakes in the semi-finals where we then got bundled out.
“It was a good learning curve last season and this time around, we simply need to deliver.”
Yet the Mighty Warriors star is not looking beyond the team’s next opponents.
“Football is a 90-minute game. You never think about the match coming after but the very game you are playing,” added Dambamuromo.
“Our opening match against Costa do Sol is very important. We know our future in this tournament depends on it in a huge way.
“We are only three in our group and losing the first game will be calamitous.
“That’s how important this match will be for us. We will take each game seriously and see where we will be at the end of it all.”
After tomorrow’s opener, Herentals Queens will get to rest for three days before facing Comoros’ side Olympic De Moroni.
Herentals Queens Squad:
Goalkeepers: Lindiwe Magwede, Doreen Zvayi, Rujeko Kunze
Defenders: Tabeth Mutinhiri, Talent Mukwanda, Bridget Mutaurwa, Alice Moyo, Polite Mabika, Catherine Gwangwara, Grace Kazembe, Polite Dzuremba
Midfielders: Shyline Dambamuromo, Christabel Zulu, Skulekile Nyoni, Yeukai Chipatiko, Nyasha Munemo, Mellan-da Chimbwanda
Strikers: Praynence Zvawanda, Mellanda Rungu, Morelife Nyagumbo, Bethel Kondo, Elizabeth Bvunzawabaya, Maudy Mafuruse
Online Reporter