adminLangton Nyakwenda
THE Mighty Warriors are just 90 minutes away from the Olympics. Cameroon, ranked second in Africa and 45th on the Fifa World Rankings, and a one goal first leg deficit stands between the Zimbabwe women’s football team and a ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Mighty Warriors lost 1-2 in the reverse fixture played at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé a fortnight ago and all they need is 1-0 victory at Rufaro.
Kick-off is 2pm and the cheapest ticket is $1. Chief striker Rudo Neshamba, who has two goals to her name in the qualifiers, scored the vital away goal in Cameroon and is relishing the chance to fire her nation to a historic Olympic dance.
“We all want is to go to the Olympics, this is the game of our lives,” she declared.
There was a scare over stylish skipper Felistus Muzongodi who picked a knock on the shin on Thursday but the influential leader is expected to pass a late fitness test.
The bustling Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore, veteran Talent Mandaza and Marjory Nyaumwe are also part of the final 18 women in camp. Unheralded coach Shadreck Mlauzi, who took charge of the first leg on 3 October, following the sacking of long-serving gaffer Rosemary Mugadza, is on the verge of making history.
But who is Mlauzi? Those working with him say he is a very enthusiastic young coach, a physical education teacher at Sikhulile High School in Bulawayo and an assistant to Warriors legend Agent “Ajira” Sawu at Southern Region Division One soccer side Ntabazinduna. The 35-year-old Mlauzi is also a holder of a CAF B Licence and is studying towards a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science. He sounds confident ahead of his biggest assignment.
“We can deliver; we are spurred on by the fact that we kept them at bay for a long period in the reverse fixture.
“We have to attack because we want that goal but at the same time we have to be cautious because we do not want to concede. So, we have to strike that balance between attacking and defending.
“The fans are crucial, they should come in their thousands and make the atmosphere frightening for the visitors, at the same time inspiring the girls,” said Mlauzi.
The Mighty Warriors can draw confidence from the fact that they led the “Les Lionnes” for 69 minutes in Yaoundé before a brace from Madeleine Ngono Mani fell them.
In French-based striker Mani, the Cameroonians have a dangerous striker capable of breaking the nation’s hearts.
Two teams will represent Africa at the final tournament scheduled for 3-20 August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter