Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THIRTY Mighty Warriors players are expected to report for camp in Harare today ahead of intensive preparations for the Four-Nations tournament set for Lilongwe, Malawi, in two weeks’ time.
Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa are set to battle it out at the Bingu National Stadium in the Malawian capital from November 29 to December 2.
While Zimbabwe and Zambia have both confirmed their participation, Malawian authorities yesterday said South Africa were still finalising.
It will be only the second time that the Mighty Warriors would have played international football since facing Angola in a WAFCON qualifier early this year.
ZIFA Women’s Football chairperson Loveness Mukura, who is also the association vice-president, 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 fused youth and experience in her squad and she is hoping to quickly get the combinations right before making the trip to Lilongwe.
The former Mighty Warriors mainstay said: “We would actually want to play regularly during FIFA international 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 l choose to be positive that the girls will give their best as they are hungry for international exposure.”
The 30-member squad will be trimmed to 23 just before the team’s departure to Malawi on November 27.
Sibanda has received kudos from neutrals for going for players who are top of the branch in terms of current form.
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), and Debra Green (Team Manager).
