Chronicle Editor
Ellina Mhlanga, Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, is preaching the gospel of teamwork when they plunge into the 2018 Cosafa Women’s Championships.
The competition is scheduled for September 12 to 22 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Sibanda named her 20-member squad yesterday consisting mostly the experienced players such as defenders Nobuhle Majika, Sheila Makoto as well as strikers, Erina Jeke and Rutendo Makore.
She roped in Shamiso Mutasa from Harare City to strengthen her strikeforce.
“It’s a team full of determined players, they are hard workers and they easily respond to any tactical approach that we try to work on,’’ she said.
“So we know, tactically, we are a good team and, technically also, they are good passers of the ball. I believe in team work more than individual players.’’
In the absence of captain Talent Mandaza, Majika takes over the armband.
She will deputised by Emmaculate Msipa and Chido Dzingirai. There are 12 teams pooled into three groups of four each.
The top team from each group, plus the best-placed runners-up, advance to the semi-finals.
The Mighty Warriors kick-start their campaign with a tie against Namibia on September 13 in Group C.
They will then play Swaziland in the second game a day later before they wind up their group games with a tie against Uganda on September 17.
Sibanda said the team appreciated the support being given by Zifa whose vice-president, Omega Sibanda, and board member finance, Philemon Machana, visited their camp on Thursday.
“I think it motivates us not to feel as if we are just being thrown out there into the village and no one visits us.
“It’s quite a motivation to the team.
“And that address to encourage the players to play their part of raising the Zimbabwean flag high was good.’’
The team is scheduled to depart for South Africa on Monday.
Mighty Warriors final team
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Correctional), Shebba Rauli (Auckland), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars).
Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (MSU), Danai Bhobho (Harare City), Nobukhosi Ncube (Correctional), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams).
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional), Kudzanai Chiparausha (Blue Swallows), Mavis Chirandu (Black Rhinos), Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos).
Strikers: Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Shamiso Mutasa (Harare City), Erina Jeke (Correctional) Maudy Mafuruse (Faith Drive), Susan Nyama (Herentals).
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