Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY WARRIORS coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda, wants more games for the women’s national team and has paid tribute to local clubs that are keeping the girls active, albeit in a difficult operating environment.
The Mighty Warriors will be back in action later this month when they participate in a four-nation tournament that will run from November 29 to December 2 in Malawi, during the women’s international window.
South Africa and Zambia will also be part of the action.
Sibanda has already announced a 30-member provisional squad of locally based players, which she has described as “a mixture of experience and non-experience.”
The squad is dominated by players from Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League perennial champions Herentals Queens, Black Rhinos Queens and Chapungu Queens.
There is a place in the Mighty Warriors squad for the experienced Black Rhinos duo of striker Rutendo Makore, 33, and midfielder Daisy Kaitano, 32.
Chapungu Queens’ lethal striker Ethel Chinyerere is also part of the team that will play in the four-nation tournament in Malawi.
“Playing matches is always important for players, especially for their match fitness, technical and tactical development and also generally to get that international exposure,” Sibanda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
She also revealed the criteria used for coming up with the provisional squad.
“We went exclusively for local based players but those that are currently doing well for their clubs.”
Praynance Zvawanda, who banged in 26 goals for champions Herentals Queens is in the squad.
“It’s a mixture of experienced and non-experienced players,” added Sibanda.
The former Mighty Warriors star also saluted local clubs who are keeping the girls active when they are not playing international games.
“We appreciate what the clubs are doing to keep the girls playing,” she said.
However, Sibanda feels there is room for improvement.
“But of course we can be better in terms of level of play and organisation to enhance better competition especially with regards to issues of sponsorship, tournaments that can really push up that competition level and increase the zeal and drive to do better,” said Sibanda.
Mighty Warriors squad:
Goalkeepers: Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
Defenders: Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Thandekile Mandaba (Correctional 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)
Midfielders: Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens)
Forwards: Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Blessing Moyo (Correctional Queens), Mitchel Guri (Highlanders Royals), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos)
Technical Team: Sithethelelwe Sibanda (Head Coach), Tsitsi Shiri (Assistant Coach), Onai Chingawo (Goalkeepers Coach), Primrose Serima (Fitness Coach), Dr Margaret Maulana (Team Doctor), Kudzanayi Matavire (Physiotherapist), Petronella Mutyambizi (Safeguarding Officer), Debra Green (Team Manager).
