Makore brims with confidence

Zimpapers Sports Hub

SEASONED Mighty Warriors striker Rutendo Makore is hopeful that the Zimbabwe senior women’s football team will do well in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Angola.

The first leg is set for Angola on February 20, with the return leg scheduled for Pretoria in South Africa, six days later.

Makore, who just two seasons ago had ruled herself out of the game through injury, is confident that they will do well considering that they have a strong side which is a mixture of youth and experience.

Makore, also known in football circles as “Madzimai”, believes they have what it takes to beat Angola in the two-legged qualifying matches as they also have a strong technical team.

“I think we are ready for the challenge, and we are looking forward to the games against Angola. We are very happy in camp. There are a lot of experienced players who are capable of doing duty and I am happy I am one of the senior players. Playing away is always tricky but we will not look much into that. We need to do well at their backyard so that it will be easier for us when we meet them in South Africa for the reverse fixture,” she said.

Makore, who made a remarkable comeback after a career-threatening knee injury from which she never pictured herself on the pitch again, is back to her best and raring to go.

Makore, who was part of the history-making Mighty Warriors team that made it to the Rio Olympics Games in 2016, is now at her best again. In a previous interview, Makore said she never saw herself making it big again but now she is standing tall.

The Mighty Warriors have not qualified for the Afcon since 2016, and their record at the tournament has been limited, with their best performance coming in 2000 when they finished fourth. However, their qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics remains a significant achievement.

Under the leadership of new Zifa president, Nqobile Magwizi, the team has received increased support, raising hopes that the Mighty Warriors will get the backing they need to succeed in the qualifiers. The squad is set to depart for Angola on Monday.

Zimbabwe Squad
Goalkeepers:
Vanessa Lunga, Precious Mudyiwa, Lindiwe Magwede

Defenders:
Egness Tumbare, Sheila Antonio, Purity Mugayi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Alice Moyo, Fortunate Ngocho

Midfielders:
Daisy Kaitano, Morelife Nyagumbo, Ennetty Chemhere, Natasha Ndowa, Danai Bhobho, Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu, Shylne Dambamuromo

Strikers:
Christabel Katona, Rutendo Makore, Ethel Chinyerere, Yolanda Kanyai, Ruvimbo Mucherera.