adminThe Black Rhinos, forward who in the past has had problems in heeding national team call ups, is in camp with the rest of the players who began their preparations yesterday.
The striker was not part of the team which toured Uruguay in February for a series of international matches after she failed to report duty.
But there were no problems with the big striker this time around after she reported for camp on Tuesday evening together with other players.
The team trained yesterday at Barclays Sports Club, while the Bulawayo based players, who were still on their way, were expected to link up with the rest of the team later in the evening.
Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza named an 18-member squad which is largely unchanged from the team which travelled to South America in February.
Zimbabwe played against Uruguay women’s soccer team in two matches and with the ZImbabweans managing a 3-3 draw before they beat the hosts 2-1 in their final match.
They also beat Uruguay’s developmental side 5-1 during that tour.
However, three players who were part of that team that toured Uruguay will not be travelling to Lusaka.
They include skipper and goalkeeper Onai Chingawo, who recently got married to Dynamos midfielder Russel Madamombe and hinted that she maybe soon hanging her boots.
The coaches have opted to try younger players for this assignment.
Black Rhinos defender Patience Mujuru who is injured and her club mate Violet Bepete have also been omitted. But striker Rudo Neshamba, who has returned home from a short stint with a Botswana side, defender Nobuhle Majika and Machingura are back in the fold.
Mighty Warriors vice-captain Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi whose brace sunk She-polopolo last year at the Colliery will lead the team in Chingawo’s absence.
Zimbabwe will resume their rivalry with Zambia in a match which falls on the Fifa date for friendly matches.
In their previous encounters, Zimbabwe have dominated their neighbours.
Last year the two teams met twice and in the first match in Hwange with the Mighty Warriors winning 3-1 in April before they hammered Zambia 5-0 at home in August.
Mugadza would be using the match to shake off some rustiness from the players who are still inactive at club level.
The National Women’s Soccer League, which is sponsored by Marange Resources, is expected to kick off next month and the players have just been training at their clubs.
Later in the year, Zimbabwe will be engaged in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers and are also preparing for the Cosafa championships, which will be held in Namibia in October.
The Mighty Warriors are the defending champions after they beat South Africa in the 2011 finals which were staged in Harare.
Squad:
Chido Dzingirai, Portia Mukucha, Danai Bhobho, Eunice Chibanda, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Nobuhle Majika, Melody Musasa, Rufaro Machingura, Felistas Muzongondi, Emma Msipa, Talent Mandaza, Nokuthula Ndlovu, Mavis Chirandu, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Rudo Neshamba, Rutendo Makore, Erina Jeke.
Online Reporter