Kwinji calls for more support

Ellina Mhlanga : Sports Reporter

AS the Mighty Warriors return home today from their debut Olympic Games show, assistant coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda says there is need to give the team all the necessary support in future if they are to make a bigger impression on the international stage. The team is expected to arrive this afternoon.The Mighty Warriors bowed out of the group stages at the Olympic Games in Brazil after losing to Germany, Canada and Australia.

Speaking from Brazil, Sibanda said if the country is to realise its full potential there is need to invest in the talent that is available here.

“As Zimbabwe we should prepare adequately for such tournaments, this is the biggest lesson we learnt. We have the talent, all we just have to do is to expose our players to that stage.

“The level of competition was so high and those European players have very high tactical awareness. I guess it’s because they play in professional leagues.

“Our players are very talented but still have to develop in their tactical awareness because where there are large crowds, players need to read the game, think of how to approach certain situations in the field of play as a group without the coach’s command,” said Sibanda.

After failing to qualify for the 2014 Africa Women championships, now the Africa Women Cup of Nations when they lost to Zambia in the qualifiers, who would have dreamt of the Mighty Warriors qualifying for the Olympics?

But the senior women side surprised many when they emerged winners against African giants, Cameroon in the final qualifying round of the Olympic Games qualifiers to write their own fairytale.

And Zimbabwe ranked 93 competed against the world’s best in Brazil, battling it out against Germany ranked number two in the world, fifth-ranked Australia and Canada ranked number 10.

The former Mighty Warriors midfielder also emphasised the need for coaches to focus on basic development of players.

“As coaches we should adopt training methods from clubs for example, to develop basic strength and strength endurance that will enable the players to develop explosive strength which is very vital in most if not all football movements.

“For example, jumping to defend in aerial tussles,” said Sibanda.