Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze in POLOKWANE, South Africa
AFTER holding a decent preparatory camp, the stage is now set for what will be a gripping showcase this afternoon when Zimbabwe take on Eswatini in a COSAFA Women’s Championship Group B opener in South Africa.
The Mighty Warriors, itching to make an impact at the annual regional tournament, will take to the field at the Old Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane (Kick-off 12 noon).
Hosts South Africa saw off Malawi 2-0, while Angola thumped Lesotho 3-1 in Group A assignments that marked the start of the competition.
But for Zimbabwe, the double mission is to reclaim lost COSAFA glory while also laying a strong foundation for the future.
In today’s fixture, while history favours Zimbabwe, Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15’’ Sibanda, faces a tactical battle, which has a bearing in her side’s future in the tournament. The Mighty Warriors have dominated previous meetings between the two sides, winning on three occasions, drawing as many and losing just once.
Based on the most recent three encounters, Zimbabwe often dominate possession and create more chances. In fact, it was against Eswatini that Zimbabwe recorded their biggest win at a COSAFA tourney — a 7-1 triumph over the Ingwenyama side.
However, Sibanda urged her side to treat the fixture as a cup final and aim for maximum points to secure a stronghold on the title run.
“We will not be complacent, we are out for three points because our eyes are on the next round of games,” she said.
“Looking into history gives us confidence and belief that we can do it but also on the other hand, it can cause complacency in players; hence, we need to be careful because we are definitely on a fine line here.”
While Mighty Warriors forward Ethel Chinyerere, has developed into a scoring machine over the years, Eswatini’s key threat will be striker Sabelo Ndzinisa, a proven international goal-getter and leader who can exploit defensive lapses.
In essence, Zimbabwe should aim for early pressure and midfield dominance in today’s game.
Sibanda will also have to tap into the seniority of players like Rutendo Makore, Agnes Tumbare, Praynance Zvawanda and Bridget Mutaurwa, among others for experience, creativity, finding pockets between the lines and finishing.
In midfield, technically gifted Bethel Kondo will be expected to play a crucial role alongside Shyline Dambamuromo and Daisy Kaitano for structured attacks and transitions.
“In terms of depth I think we are okay, we have a blend of experience and youth for speed,” added Sibanda.
“However, in terms of fitness, we will be a bit behind Eswatini because their league is active and they have more than 20 games while we as Zimbabwe are coming from the off-season.
“We do not want to chase the game because obviously they will outdo us, so we need to go for early goals and then go all out to defend.”
Sibanda said she will hand debuts to at least two rookies in this Group B opener that could also set the tone for their clash against defending champions Zambia on Sunday. “We will see two or three young players today, we promoted them into the senior team in December, and so far they have been impressive, so I think it is only fair for us to give them the responsibility now,” she said.
“We have been working on their psychological strength to ensure they are prepared for such games.
“I told them that no one was born experienced, instead it is something acquired over time so the process starts now . . . they should not be afraid to make mistakes, it is part of the game and what we all came for here.”
If Zimbabwe prevail against Eswatini, it eases pressure on them getting into their highly anticipated and potential group decider against defenders Zambia.
Sibanda has been around long enough to know the essence of getting off to a winning start in football tournament as that takes away the pressure of wanting to win the final group game.
After playing Eswatini and Zambia, the Mighty Warriors will complete their pool assignment with a clash against Botswana.
“We do not want to be calculators until the last minute or hope that other teams lose so that we can make it . . . so we need clear wins and as many points from the start,” added Sibanda.
