Makore brims with confidence

Monalisa John

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.

The Mighty Warriors, who are looking to blend youth and experience in their quest for a place at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, had their preparations also boosted yesterday by the arrival of their Israel-based star Ruvimbo Mucherera.

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,’’ Makore said.

“We are very happy in camp. There is 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.

After suffering the injury, the women’s football star also could not afford the corrective surgery that the doctors had recommended.

Makore, who was part of the history-making Mighty Warriors team that made it to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, is now at her best again.

In a previous interview, Makore said she never saw herself making it big again, but somehow, she has reinvigorated and is still standing tall.