Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda will be out to reclaim Zimbabwe’s former glory when she sends a new-look side into battle at the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The regional tourney is scheduled for South Africa between February 18 and March 1, with Sibanda assembling a side that blends youth and experience.
Zimbabwe were last COSAFA champions in 2011 when Sibanda was still a player.
Now she wants to achieve success with the Mighty Warriors from the dugout.
This year’s Southern African has added significance in that the showcase marks the beginning of a women’s football journey to the global stage.
The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, raising the stakes for the ambitious Mighty Warriors.
Sibanda recently announced her 28-member squad with the team expected to assemble on Sunday in Harare, ready to begin intensive training sessions.
“We are getting into camp on Sunday so that we resume training on Tuesday in the morning,” said Sibanda.
“All is in order, we are finalising the modalities so that when the girls get here, everything will be in place and we will be good to go without any disturbances.”
Sibanda has also opted for continuity, sticking with the team that did duty at the Three-Nations tournament in Malawi in December. The ex-Chapungu Queens coach opted to reward players who impressed her during that tour of duty in Malawi.
Provisional Squad:
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa S. Lunga (Platinum Royals), Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Unattached), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens), Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Blessing Dube (Correctional Queens).
