adminEllina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors defender Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri says she is happy to be back in the fold after suffering a career-threatening knee injury that kept her on the sidelines for more than a year.
Mutyavaviri is part of the provisional squad in camp preparing for the return leg of the Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers first round, second leg tie set for March 20 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
The team is also using the African qualifiers as part of their preparations for the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in August.
Mutyavaviri sustained a knee injury in May 2014 during the Africa Women Championships qualifier against Zambia.
Zimbabwe lost the match 0-1.
“I thank God for this call-up by the coaches. It’s almost one year and eight months since I last played. But I believe I will rise again, I will catch up very soon. It’s awesome to be back.
“I want to train more so that I regain my shape. I will continue working hard and I’ve just started training,” said Mutyavaviri.
Coach Shadreck Mlauzi said Mutyavaviri was part of their plans.
“Obviously, she has to improve in a lot of areas. We’ve not brought her into the frame to play her in the immediate future but we’re looking ahead to the future because she’s a quality defender.
“As a technical team, we’ve short, medium and long-term plans and she’s part of the medium and long-term plans if she gets into shape.
“That quality she has is what we are looking for. Left footers are rare to find, especially in women’s football. She brings quality football, her experience comes into the frame but for now we want her to gradually improve on her fitness.
“She had a chronic knee injury, at the end of the day she went for a surgery in South Africa. Judging from the training workouts we’ve had, she’s fine especially on the technical quality, she only has to be worked on, that’s why she’s here.
“We know she will adapt,” said Mlauzi.
Mlauzi said all the players called into camp are in now except for Black Rhinos’ Rufaro Machingura, who has an ankle injury.
Zimbabwe are carrying a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Dar es Salaam.
They will face either Zambia or Namibia.
But it’s likely to be Zambia, who beat Namibia 3-1 in the first leg.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Flame Lily), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Vanessa Lunga (Black Rhinos), Shebba Rauli (Auckland).
Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Eunice Chibanda, Lynett Mutokuto, Patience Mujuru (all Black Rhinos), Nobukhosi Ncube (New Orleans), Sarudzai Chikowore (Conduit), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri (Mufakose).
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Talent Mandaza, Viola Ndlovu, Daisy Kaitano (all Black Rhinos), Rejoice Kapfumvuti (Inline Academy), Felistas Muzongondi (Mwenezana), Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily), Greater Bhande (Cyclone Stars),Mavis Chirandu (Weerams), Peacemore Kenende (New Orleans).
Strikers: Rudo Neshamba (Weerams), Erina Jeke (Flame Lily), Maud Mafurutse (Faithdrive), Priviledge Mupeti (Inline Academy), Samkelisiwe Zulu (all Flame Lily), Sibonginkosi Nleya (Chapungu), Kudakwashe Bhasopo (Black Rhinos).
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