dyton mupawaenda
Tadious Manyepo in BLANTYRE, Malawi
EGNESS TUMBARE feels Herentals Queens have the tools, sharp enough, to outdo fancied Botswana giants Gaborone United.
The Zimbabwean champions face the neighbours in the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier semi-final at Mpira Stadium here this afternoon.
The match kicks-off at 12pm.
Gaborone United were top of Group A pile and with several players in the team forming the spine of their national team, Herentals Queens, who were second in Group A, will be the underdogs.
But veteran centre-back Tumbare is unfazed and yesterday the 31-year-old took time to talk to her teammates about their chances.
She has seen it all having played at the same level when she was still turning out for Black Rhinos in 2021 and she is also a Mighty Warriors regular.
Although she made her debut for Vagoni Vebasa at this tournament, she has emerged as the leading light with her solidity at the back catching the eye while she has also been a threat in attack after scoring once and providing a single assist in three games.
“On paper Gabone United is favoured to beat us. But the game should have been called off if it was that easy.
“Let me be blunt enough. We came to Malawi to win the COSAFA qualifier and proceed to the CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament in October,” said Tumbare.
“We are not here to get any notes on which one is a strong team or anything. We are strictly here for business.
“The business is to play and win games then return home with the trophy.
“Well, obviously games are tough at this level and the match against Gaborone United will be no different.
“We expect some really hard times during the game because Gaborone United will certainly be looking for a win.
“But we have the players who can carry us over the line, we have a capable team, good enough to win this match.
“We have shown that fighting spirit in our past games in the group and that is the same thing we should show getting into the match against Gaborone United.”
Head coach Lazarus Magaya who, like Tumbare joined the team recently, said his players were determined to make an impact.
“I really like the attitude being displayed by the players.
“There never care on who the next opponent is but they just keep the focus and that is encouraging quality to have in your team anywhere in the world,” said Magaya.
“Gaborone United are never easy opponents but we are also not easy opponents for them.
“We had regeneration training yesterday (on Tuesday) and today (yesterday) we are more into tactics.
“We want to go all the way in this tournament but obviously we have to pay extra attention in the quarter-finals. We know it will be a tough match but my girls are here to work and get the desired result.
“It doesn’t matter that Gaborone United have most of their players in their national team. We have capable players here and all eyes are on the ball. We have a clean bill of health and it’s all systems go on our part.”
Magaya is likely to field the same First 11 that has started every game at this tournament this afternoon.
Although there have been faults here and there, Magaya has stuck with his Starting 11 and they have also improved a lot.
Herentals Queens Probable 11
Lindiwe Magwede, Bridget Mutaurwa, Alice Moyo, Egness Tumbare, Talent Mukwanda, Yeukai Chipatiko, Shyline Dambamuromo, Nyasha Munemo, Praynence Zvawanda, Polite Mabika, Maudy Mafuruse
Online Reporter