Kwinji out to prove critics wrong

Veronica Gwaze, Sports Reporter

A section of the Mighty Warriors stakeholders and followers have openly declared that they are not her fans. With Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda’s recent appointment as the Mighty Warriors head coach reviving claims that she is arrogant, the gaffer chooses to remain silent and let her work do the talking.

In less than a fortnight, she is expected to lead the Zimbabwe senior national women’s team to this year’s edition of the Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa, Port Elizabeth.

The tournament runs between October 22 and November 2 with 14 nations scheduled to battle it out for silverware.
The Mighty Warriors are drawn into Group D alongside Lesotho and Mozambique with the Zimbabweans meant to face the south-eastern (Mozambique) rivals in their opening match on October, 24.

Three days later, the Mighty Warriors will face Lesotho as the group winner, along with other top finishers from Group A, B and C seeking to qualify for the semi-finals.

And Kwinji 15 who still has to convince her naysayers otherwise is alive to the fact that this will be a huge litmus test for her.
“This is a very huge task and l believe that approaching it with the right perspective will take us to where we want,” she said.

“Leading this team is a huge honour and privilege but a big responsibility considering what is at hand.”
While other nations released their provisional teams some weeks ago and have already resumed preparations for the regional tourney, the Mighty Warriors’ squad was released on Friday.

Their preparations are expected to get underway this week. And Kwinji understands that a lot needs to be done.

“Where we are competing, the standards are consistently improving, so we need good planning, focus and teamwork if we are going to make an impact.

“As a coach l am aware of the challenge but l am confident in our collective ability as a team.” Having watched as the team fell short of legs in their previous assignments, Sibanda, this time dropped some old horses who have donned national colours for years.

Seasoned stars Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magede, Rudo Neshamba, Marjory Nyaumwe and Felistas Muzongondi have been left out.

Conversely, this has seen the coming in of Ethel Chinyerere, Mitchel John, Patience Ndlovu, Peacemore Kanende, Morelife Nyagumbo, Sheila Antonio, Precious Mudyiwa and Vanessa Lunga, among others.

“Looking at most of the national teams, there has been reliable continuity, so their games have become fast paced,” Kwinji said.
“We also have to do the same, so it means bringing in younger players who can give us the speed.

“There are still a few older players left on the team to give us the much needed experience, leadership and confidence.” With a few days left until the tournament, it means that Kwinji 15 has the huge task of working with new faces and assembling a coherent unit that will produce positive results. Based on the fact that the reputable coach is not new to the Mighty Warriors, she already has her assignment well planned.

“Looking at most of the national teams, there has been reliable continuity so their games have become fast paced,” Kwinji said.
“We also have to do the same so it means bringing in younger players who can give us the speed.

“There are still a few older players left on the team to give us the much needed experience, leadership and confidence.” With a few days left until the tournament, it means that Kwinji 15 has the huge task of working with new faces and assembling a coherent unit that will produce positive results. Based on the fact that the reputable coach is not new to the Mighty Warriors, she already has her assignment well planned.

During her first tenure at the national team hot seat, she played a pivotal role in transforming the team into a regional force.
Notably, she was on the technical team that led the Mighty Warriors to their historic qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In the previous Cosafa edition, she was assistant to Shadreck Mlauzi although the team failed to make a meaningful impact. This time, Kwinji notes that she has to approach the tournament with caution.

“Time frame is always a big factor and obviously more time will allow for deeper preparations but l trust in the core group and what they have been doing at club level,” she said.

“What is important now is to utilise effectively the amount of time left and prepare a disciplined team that will perform to the best of their abilities.

“We need to strengthen the team in all the four major football fitness components, especially the tactical part where players clearly understand their roles and responsibilities.”