Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS Queens could as well be for the Mighty Warriors what Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies are for Banyana Banyana after six of their players were picked in the 30-member squad expected to do duty in the Four-Nation tournament to be staged in Lilongwe, Malawi later this month.
Zimbabwe are set to battle it out with the hosts, South Africa and Zambia at the Bingu National Stadium in the Malawian capital from November 29 to December 2.
And yesterday coach Sithethelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda named her squad dominated by Herentals Queens who have just won a record fourth Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League on the trot.
There is no doubting Vagoni Vebasa’s quality especially after their dominance of the league in the past four years.
They have played in the CAF Champions League over the past two years with their latest participation coming last August.
And with the senior women’s national team having last played competitive football almost six months ago, it is the Herentals Queens players who can have what it takes in that regard.
It is the inclusion of right back Bridget Mutaurwa in the team that has been met with so much excitement across the board after the 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar season.
Mutaurwa is the only Mighty Warriors newcomer from the Herentals lot with goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga, Alice Moyo, Praynance Zvawanda, Shyline Dambamuromo and Bethel Kondo already regulars at this level.
Mutaurwa is over the moon although she knows she has to put in the grind to earn a place on the plane as only 23 players will travel for the tournament.
“I am very happy to have been included in the squad. It’s always every player’s dream to play for the national team and get a chance to fight for the badge,” said Mutaurwa.
“I am willing to learn and ready to deliver whenever given a chance to represent the country. This is always a dream, and I am ready to put on the work and see what happens.
“But just to be there amongst the crème of the country is something to be proud about. I am, really grateful.”
Only players plying their trade in the domestic league have been included with seasoned captain Emmaculate Msipa and fellow veteran Danai Bhobho missing out.
Mighty Warriors Squad:
Goalkeepers: Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens)
Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
Defenders: Bridget Mutaurwa(Herentals Queens)
Thandekile Mandaba (Correctional Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queen), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens),
Midfielders: Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos),Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens)
Forwards: Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens) Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy),
Blessing Moyo (Correctional Queens), Mitchel Guri (Highlanders Royals), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Privilege Mupeti (Black Rhinos)
Charles Duri