Kwinji 15 Mighty Warriors appointment hailed

STAKEHOLDERS in women’s football have welcomed the appointment of Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda as Mighty Warriors coach.

Until Monday, the Caf A licence holder was Chapungu Queens coach and won the Hearts Women’s Soccer League Tournament beating Black Mambas 4-0.

Her first assignment will be leading the team at the 2024 Women’s Cosafa Cup in South Africa this October 13. Could it turn out to be an exciting time for the team with her experience and leadership?
Elizabeth Langa who is among the founding mothers of women’s soccer in 1988, said that the appointment is going to benefit the national team because she has vast experience as a player and a coach.

“I’m happy with the appointment, Kwinji is one of the best football players Zimbabwe has ever had and the Mighty Warriors will benefit from this appointment from the knowledge she will impart to the team, she is a very talented and level-headed person, therefore, the team is in safe hands.

“As women in sports, we should rally behind her and support her, in 2015, she made history by becoming the first female coach to work in a competitive men’s football league in Zimbabwe when she assumed the role of assistant coach at the now defunct Tsholotsho FC,” said Langa.

A holder of Caf A coaching certificate, a Germany certificate, a couple of Elite Strengthening and Conditioning Certificates, Kwinji will be a great addition to the Mighty Warriors team as she has vast knowledge about the game and players.

Founder and coach of Dube Strikers, Rumbidzai Matambanadzo said that she was thrilled at the appointment and that Sibanda knows football like the back of her hand.

“Kwinji is more than capable of leading the Mighty Warriors, she has been involved with the Mighty Warriors both as a player and coach before, she has undoubtedly through sport defied gender stereotypes and social norms, became an inspiring role model, and epitomised men and women as equals.

“She should be given the podium to explore and introduce her own methods of guiding the team to victory without interference,” said Matambanadzo.

Samukeliso Silengane a notable figure in Zimbabwean women’s football said that the appointment has been welcomed by all women’s football enthusiasts and that she looks forward to the day they would appoint a female head coach for the Warriors.

“As I have always said we expect to have no differences with the way women are treated compared with their male counterparts, as women we should support her and stand by her and we are grateful to those who saw her fit to take up that position,” said Silengane.

Theresa Maguraushe who is the chairperson of the Heart Women’s Soccer League congratulated Kwinji and said that her return to this crucial role confirms her exceptional leadership, tactical acumen and dedication to women’s football.

“Her previous team displayed remarkable growth. Her expertise, passion and dedication will undoubtedly inspire other players and drive the team to greater heights,” said Maguraushe.