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Grace Chingoma-Senior Sports Reporter
AS history beckons for Black Rhinos Queens, their coach says they want to complete their campaign in style by beating Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies today.
The two sides clash in the final of the inaugural CAF Champions League COSAFA qualifier in Durban.
The match gets underway at 2pm, at King Zwelithini Stadium in the coastal city of South Africa.
Today’s winner will get the regional ticket to play at the inaugural Champions League finals in Egypt, later this year.
Rhinos Queens, the Zimbabwe women’s club champions, have enjoyed a good run in the competition against the odds.
They were largely expected to struggle due to inadequate training time. But, they are now just a win away from glory.
A FIFA delegation, which includes secretary-general Fatma Samoura, and chief women’s football officer, Sarai Bareman, are expected to watch the dream final.
“Our aim is to go to Egypt, we reached the final, so, we will give it our best shot to try and qualify,’’ said Rhinos coach, Kuda Matuwi.
‘‘We also want to be the first team, from the Southern Region, to qualify for the CAF Champions League final.
“We know everyone is rallying behind us, at home, so I don’t think we will disappoint.
“Our chances of winning are 50-50, and the better team will win but we will try our best.’’
Matuwi said if they remain united, they will subdue the hosts, who have also enjoyed a good run, in the group stages.
“If we work together, as we have been doing, remain united, from the technical team up to the players, I think we can do it.
“Our game plan was to get early goals and unsettle the opposition.’’
The army side have maintained a clean sheet in all their matches.
And, offensively, they have done well.
They beat Zambian Green Buffaloes 2-0 and Namibian TURA Magic 3-0.
In the semi-final, against Botswana champions Double Action, the Zimbabweans won 2-0, with early goals from Marjoury Nyaumwe and Mavis Chirandu, settling the contest.
Rhinos Queens forward Rutendo Makore, who has picked the player-of-the-match award three times, and scored twice, is again expected to lead the team’s attack.
The coach is also banking on consistent forward, Christabel Katona, who has also scored twice.
Midfielders Marjoury Nyaumwe and Mavis Chirandu can also weigh in with goals.
The on-loan Correctional Queens winger Nyaumwe has contributed two goals.
Disciplined skipper Talent Mandaza is still going strong, even at 35 and driving the team with aplomb.
But the Zimbabwe side believe Mamelodi Sundowns will provide a tougher challenge.
The Pretoria club have been scoring for fun, banging six goals, in their three group matches.
They have scored 19 goals and conceded just one.
They were restricted to a 1-0 semi-final victory by Green Buffaloes.
Online Reporter