Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY Warriors coach Stella Gotal says unity will play a big part of her mission.
Zimbabwe are preparing for a tough second-round test against Malawi in the Paris 2028 Olympic Qualifiers next month.
Zimbabwe, who were handed a first round bye, face Malawi away at Bingu Stadium on 0ctober 9.
The reverse fixture is scheduled for National Sports Stadium on October 13.
Gotal unveiled a 26-member provisional squad that blends experience and new blood.
It follows weeks of intensive scouting by the Romanian and her assistant Arthur Gorejena across the local Women’s Premier Soccer League and Cup games.
“I believe that there is so much talent in Zimbabwe, we have amazing players both locally and beyond and even more talent that we have not yet discovered out there,” she said.
“Here we tried to come up with a good squad, maintaining balance in all departments but above all that our major fighting weapon will be unity.
“If we fight as a united squad, speaking with one voice, playing with and for each other, we can make it…remember we are looking beyond just one result.”
Gotal has kept faith with the core that carried the team through the past COSAFA and Four-Nations Tournament.
She also opened the door for returnees and exciting new faces who fit her immediate plan which borders on quick transitions, compact defending and clinical finishing.
Highly-rated midfielder Dana Bhobho makes a long-awaited return to the national fold after rediscovering top form at Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs.
Zambia-based Green Buffaloes star Ethel Chinyerere has reclaimed her spot after months away in the Zambian Super League.
Champions Herentals Queens have the highest number of players in the team with Praynance Zvawanda, Shyline Dambamuromo, Alice Moyo, Cynthia Shonga, Bridget Mutaurwa and Egness Tumbare retaining their positions while defender Maud Mafuruse bounces back in national colours.
Evergreen Rutendo Makore, who is also amongst the team’s top goalscorers of all time, is expected to carry on from where she left, giving Mighty Warriors the much needed goals against a lethal Malawi.
