adminEllina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
THE senior women national football team yesterday began their preparations for the Olympic Games qualifier against Cameroon at Rufaro with new coach Shadreck Mlauzi making some changes to the squad. Mlauzi called into camp a squad of 32 players and the side held their first training session at Rufaro yesterday with all the players in attendance.
The Mighty Warriors lock horns with Cameroon at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé, Cameroon, in the first leg of the tie on Saturday, leaving the coaches with a few days to ensure that their players are ready for the crucial assignment.
The return leg is slated for the weekend of October 16 to 18.
The winners qualify for next year’s Olympic Games to be staged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Despite the short space of time left for the team to prepare for the game, Mlauzi is confident they will obtain a positive result and has made some changes to the squad that has been doing duty in the recent past games.
Some of the players making their debut appearance in the team include goalkeeper Vanessa Lunga from Black Rhinos, midfielders Greater Bhande (Cyclone) and Peacemore Kenende (New Orleans) as well as strikers Sibonginkosi Nleya (Chapungu) and Pamela Bvochora (Chipembere).
Some of the players who have been dropped from the squad include midfielder Mavis Chirandu, defenders, Patience Mujuru and Talent Mandaza while he has retained the likes of captain Felistas Muzongondi, strikers Rutendo Makore, Eunice Chibanda and Rudo Neshamba as well as defender Nobuhle Majika.
“Yes we wanted to select the players based on the previous knowledge of the players.
“I’ve worked with most of these players in the Under-20s, so we wanted to look at the system of play that we wish to use when playing away and it was imperative that we use previous knowledge of the players and at the same time respecting the foundation that was laid by my predecessor.
“These girls are active in club football so you will see most of the work will centre around the tactical rudiments of the game,” said Mlauzi.
While Zimbabwe are just starting their preparations for this tie, their opponents Cameroon have been active and are coming from the African Games which ended recently in Congo Brazzaville.
They lost to Ghana in the final.
Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the Games when they lost to Ghana in the qualifiers.
However, Mlauzi said they have done their research and they know what to expect in Yaoundé.
“You will be surprised that we have done our research, we’ve done the team profiling and we are going to plan accordingly based on the information that we have,” said Mlauzi.
There were indications yesterday by Zifa chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze that the team is likely to leave for Cameroon tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s game.
“We’re working with Thursday as the departure day. I’m in a meeting now and that’s what we’re working on right now,” said Mashingaidze.
Mlauzi is being assisted by Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda and Johannes Chikaola.
Peter Masibero is the goalkeepers’ coach.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magwede, Vanessa Lunga.
Defenders: Nobuhle Majika, Sheila Makoto, Faith Chasu, Mercy Marowa, Hope Mwendazviuya, Priviledge Mushonga, Sarudzai Chikoore, Amanda Five, Prisca Khumalo, Linnett Mutokuto, Chido Muhara.
Midfielders: Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Aldired Bhamu, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Peacemore Kenende, Greater Bhande, Sifundile Moyo, Felistas Muzongondi, Viola Ndlovu, Emmaculate Msipa, Marjory Nyaumwe.
Strikers: Erina Jeke, Maudi Mafuruse, Colleta Jesunau, Chelesile Dube, Rutendo Makore, Rudo Neshamba, Pamela Bvochora, Sibonginkosi Nleya, Eunice Chibanda.
Online Reporter