Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
INLINE Academy’s Peacemore Kenede is looking forward to her maiden Mighty Warriors cap after being called up among the 31 players that go into camp on Monday to prepare for the 2018 edition of the Cosafa Women’s Championship in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The 21-year-old left footed dribbling wizard, who is also gifted with an eagle’s eye for goals, was called up by coach Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda as one of the 10 midfielders that include veterans like skipper Felistas Muzongodi, Emmaculate Msipha and Mavis Chirandu all from army side Black Rhinos.
“I have previously been called up but have not played any competitive game for the national team, it always feels great when you are part of the players who coaches feel can play for the nation. However, on my first call up I was a bit nervous as a first time and I believe that’s what affected even my performance,” said Kenede, formerly of Cowdray Park Queens.
She said self belief and hard work while in camp will be key this time around as they prepare to go to South Africa.
“I think I just need to believe in myself, work extra hard while in camp and remain fully focused and stop worrying about anything then I am sure everything else will fall into place but obviously the coaches are the ones with a final say as to who will make it,” said Kenede.
While Sibanda might choose to go for experience, the addition of new and upcoming players with age on their side will also be critical for future tournaments. Kenede is arguably one of the most talented players on the domestic scene with immense dribbling skills and powerful shots while on the run.
The coaches however, will have a serious headache in coming up with the final squad as all the players call up are capable of holding their own in the tournament.
Mighty Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Shebba Rauli (Auckland), Chido Dzingirai (Correctional), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Cynthia Shonga (Faith Drive)
Defenders: Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Sarudzai Chikowore (Harare City), Edline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows), Danai Bhobho (Harare City), Nobuhle Majika (M.S.U), Nobukhosi Ncube (Correctional), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams), Diana Nyika(M.S. U)
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu, Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos) Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional), Greater Bande (Cyclone Stars), Rumbidzai Zhoya (Auckland), Peacemore Kenende (Inline Academy), Evermore Mutandwa (Weerams), Kudzanayi Chiparausha (Blue Swallows), Concilia Madotsa (Faith Drive)
Strikers: Maudy Mafuruse (Faith Drive), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos), Erina Jeke (Correctional), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Shamiso Mutasa (Harare City) Elizabeth Bvunzawabaya (Cyclone Stars), Susan Nyama (Herentals), Concilia Madotsa (Faith Drive).
Online Reporter