Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TWICE in the history of the COSAFA Women’s Championship, the Mighty Warriors have played against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the elimination stages.
In 2002 and 2017 the two rivals clashed in the final, and the latter dominated in both scenarios through 2-1 identical score-lines.
As fate would have it, this time they once again face off, albeit in the semi-finals at the new Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane (kick-off 3pm).
Zimbabwe qualified for the semis as the best-placed overall runner-up following their 2-0 and 1-0 victories over Eswatini and Botswana and a goalless draw against defending champions Zambia in Group B.
This afternoon they face off Group A favourites South Africa while the other semi-final will be played by Zambia and Namibia.
Zimbabwe coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda will be hoping to finally break the jinx as history presses on the fixture.
Sibanda believes this time will be different as she places faith in the class of 2026.
The team has trained harder, refined their tactics, and most importantly, nurtured a fierce hunger for victory following massive motivation from the Government.
“The girls are self-motivated, such fixtures always come with a little push in which each player wants to come out and do their best,” said the coach.
“We know it is a giant task that we are faced with but I can tell you that the girls are eager to go out and fight hard . . . they are always full of passion.”
The Mighty Warriors yesterday afternoon held their only training session ahead of the semi-finals.
Sibanda also noted that history weighs heavily against them in the fixture but insisted they are keen to re-write it.
She is determined to steer the team away from familiar endings.
The former Mighty Warriors forward understands the terrain well, having been part of the playing personnel back in 2011 when they won their only COSAFA title.
Interestingly, in that final they beat South Africa.
While Zimbabwe’s history with South Africa at the regional show-piece has been unkind, hopes are on Sibanda to lead the team to gold.
“It has been years with the girls representing the nation for little to no remuneration,” she said.
“With the Government coming through to motivate them this time, it was a huge inspiration for the girls, and as a coach that motivation factor means for the girls.
“Technically, we are going to compete; we have our own strategies that we will implement as a team, and we will not allow history to intimidate us.”
Mighty Warriors will be out to reclaim their former status on the regional stage, and going past the semi-finals will be a positive for the team.
Sibanda is expected to blend expected experience with speed to beat South Africa.
Rutendo Makore who is currently in good goal-scoring form, Praynance Zvawanda and Ethel Chinyerere will lead from the front while Christabel Katona will shoulder the midfield battles alongside captain Nobukhosi Ncube.
South Africa are also taking a cautious approach as they agree that Zimbabwe are a tough opponent.
Goalkeeper Dineo Magagula, who is also the captain has given a warning to her side not to be complacent when they face the Mighty Warriors. “Zimbabwe are a very strong side, we saw them when they played Zambia so getting into the semi-final we know that they should never be underestimated,” she said.
“It is very important for us to fight from the onset, we want to bring the Cup home so to play Zimbabwe in the elimination round means we should leave no room for complacency because once they score first, it will be difficult for us to chase the game.
