Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIRTY Mighty Warriors players are expected to settle into camp in Harare today as Zimbabwe begins preparations for the Four Nations tournament in Lilongwe. The team has waited months for meaningful action, and this gathering marks a rare stretch of uninterrupted work for a group eager to reconnect with international football.
Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa are listed for the competition at Bingu National Stadium from 29 November to 2 December. Zimbabwe and Zambia have confirmed their participation, while Malawi indicated yesterday that South Africa are still finalising their involvement.
This outing will be only the second international assignment for the Mighty Warriors since they faced Angola in a Wafcon qualifier earlier this year. The return to a structured window is something the squad has long pushed for.
Zifa Women’s Football chairperson and association vice-president Loveness Mukura said:
“The camp for the Mighty Warriors begins tomorrow (today). There are 30 players who are all hungry for international football, and we are looking forward to seeing them prepare and eventually compete at the Four Nations Cup. The camp begins this Monday, and I am sure the technical team led by Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda is also eager to start working with the group.”
Sibanda has blended youth and experience in her selection — a mix she hopes will settle quickly as she shapes combinations for the short trip to Lilongwe.
The former Mighty Warriors midfielder said: “We would actually want to play regularly during FIifainternational breaks. We want our girls to be in regular competition to improve their play. But to be honest, I am grateful for this opportunity and want to give it our best shot. It’s been long without that kind of exposure, and I choose to be positive that the girls will give their best as they are hungry for international exposure.”
The 30 players will be trimmed to 23 before departure on 27 November. Sibanda has been praised for rewarding those in form across the clubs.
Mighty Warriors squad
GOALKEEPERS
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
DEFENDERS
Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Thandekile Mandaba (Correctional Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens)
MIDFIELDERS
Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens)
FORWARDS
Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Blessing Moyo (Correctional Queens), Mitchel Guri (Highlanders Royals), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos)
TECHNICAL TEAM
Sithethelelwe Sibanda (Head Coach), Tsitsi Shiri (Assistant Coach), Onai Chingawo (Goalkeepers Coach), Primrose Serima (Fitness Coach), Margaret Maulana (Team Doctor), Kudzanayi Matavire (Physiotherapist), Petronella Mutyambizi (Safeguarding), Debra Green (Team Manager)
