Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HERENTALS Queens coach Simbarashe Dedza says improved depth in his ranks could propel them to a fine performance in this year’s COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The regional contest is set for the University of Johannesburg’s AW Muller Stadium in the University of Johannesburg campus, South Africa from August 22-31.
The Zimbabwean representatives will know the identity of their opponents on Tuesday next week when the draw is held in the South African commercial capital.
Eight teams including former champions Mamelodi Sundowns will be grouped into two pools with the top two from each group progressing to the semi-finals of a tournament, which will see only winners advancing to represent the region in the continental meet late in the year.
And Herentals want to get a shot at that after failing to do so in their debut last season.
“Vagoni Vebasa” made their bow in Blantyre, Malawi last August and they did shake the establishment with their die-hard spirit anchored on self-belief and fluidity but crashed out at the semi-final hurdle.
And Dedza is confident the Student Queens can punch well this time around given they now have some experience under their belts.
“We have been playing in the league this season with one eye fixed on the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
“We made our bow last year and we showed what we could do by reaching the semis,” said Dedza.
“This year, we can outperform ourselves and who knows, we can hit the jackpot.
“I am very confident especially given that we have more depth that we had the last time out.
“Even more importantly, we still have an almost intact team from last year’s tournament. That can give us the wings to fly. I am confident and the preparations are well underway. Everyone is raring to go.”
Herentals Queens have added players who include Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga, Catherine Gwangwara, Christabel Zulu and Eunice Chibanda onto their ranks.
Their illustrious defender Tabeth Mutinhiri, who missed last year’s adventure through injury, is also back in the fold.
“That means we have more depth now. I am very confident that we will do well this time around.
“Firstly, we have to take each game as it comes. That’s paramount in this journey,” added Dedza.
