Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DESPITE Zimbabwe’s Young Mighty Warriors finishing fourth at the COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championships, their star forwards Dee Winnie Mapuwa and Mya Munyanduki shone brightly and were deservedly included in the Team of the Tournament.
Zimbabwe’s quest for silverware ended at the semi-final stage when eventual champions Zambia handed them a 5-2 defeat.
The Young Mighty Warriors, also came second best off a thrilling third-place play-off tie against Mozambique which the Mozambicans won 3-2.
But there was due reward for their striking pair of Mapuwa and Munyanduki who made in the COSAFA Under-17 Best XI that was dominated by the Zambians who provided five players.
Runners-up Malawi had two while Namibia and Mozambique chipped in with a player apiece.
There was no doubting however, that Mapuwa was one of the tournament’s major talking points.
At 12 years, Mapuwa of top local developmental institution — Legends Football Academy — arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, as the “baby of the tournament” but her exploits defied her tender age.
She finished the competition as Zimbabwe’s leading scorer with six goals and the tournament’s second-best scorer.
Mapuwa and Munyanduki had a four-goal haul each to rescue the Young Mighty Warriors’ campaign which had appeared doomed following a 3-0 Group C defeat by Botswana.
With Botswana then losing to Lesotho, it meant that Zimbabwe needed to win their last match against Lesotho by six-goal margin.
And they achieved that feat in style hammering Lesotho 12-2.
Mapuwa’s technical ability, vision, and maturity beyond her years surprised many who had been following the tournament in Windhoek.
Her exploits left her teammates at Legends purring and Academy director Farai Dhliwayo while praising Mapuwa also urged caution in managing her rapid rise.
Dhliwayo who has also been instrumental in grooming Winni’s brothers Washington who is with Premeirship outfit GreenFuel and Hwange defender Wellington said he was not entirely surprised that she would shine at COSAFA given her exploits for Zimbabwe and Legends in the last two years.
Mapuwa was a stand-out player for the Zimbabwe Girls team at the CAF Schools Under-15 tournament at Gateway in 2023.
“Winnie’s performance doesn’t surprise us, she excels at this level weekly in training and matches,” Dhliwayo said.
“But we must remember she’s still a minor. Her development must be handled carefully, both as a player and as a young woman,’’ Dhliwayo said.
“Mapuwa’s success stems from a rigorous training regime at the academy, supplemented by home sessions with her father.
“Her mother, a constant presence at matches, provides unwavering support.
Mapuwa’s composure under pressure and ability to compete against older, physically stronger opponents have sparked comparisons to Africa’s future stars.
Teammate Munyanduki also earned plaudits for her commanding performances, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s reputation as a hub for developing young female talent.
While the Young Mighty Warriors fell short of the title, their campaign and Mapuwa’s ground-breaking achievement signals a bright future for Zimbabwean football.
Dhliwayo remains confident that Mapuwa’s future is bright.
“With proper guidance, she could become a cornerstone of the nation’s senior team and a trailblazer for the next generation.”
