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Ngqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
MIGHTY Warriors head coach Shadreck Mlauzi is putting on a brave face despite shambolic preparations that his side has gone through as they prepare to battle the best in women’s football in the world at the Rio Olympics in Brazil early next month. Mlauzi crafted an ambitious road map late last year which would have seen them feature in four friendlies, hold a training camp in Europe and also spend a month in the United States of America just before the start of the games.
However, the Mighty Warriors only managed to play a friendly with South Africa and would have been less than a month in camp when they leave for Brazil on 26 July.
Mlauzi was, however, optimistic saying since they trooped into camp at Bindura University of Science Education on 28 June they have trained well with no disruptions. He said the camp was flowing smoothly and they have not experienced any hitches giving them ample time to focus on the pitch and other preparations.
“We have not experienced any of those logistical problems that we might have faced when in Harare such as transport and accommodation challenges. Here we are fully focused on preparing for Rio. The bus will be there to pick us up on time whether we are going to the gym, or Trojan Ground and again back while accommodation and the diet is great,” said Mlauzi.
The former Inline coach said they could be facing China, who are ranked 12th in the world, in a friendly in Brazil before they play their first group match on 3 August although the friendly has not yet been confirmed.
Mlauzi added they were also still working on facing Sweden in another preparatory match and expressed hope that these will materialise to enable his charges to face strong opposition before the games start.
He said it was unfortunate his ambitious road map had not been followed but was optimistic they could hold their own because they were an “ambitious lot”.
Neighbours South Africa, who will also be competing in Rio have already played against top opposition such as world number one and Olympic champions the United States of America and Netherlands and have been in camp for the past four months.
Mlauzi said they have also been preparing the players mentally with evening lectures which they hoped would come in handy as they face the world’s crème dela creme.
“We will make do with what we have and everyone is aware of the tough task that lies ahead but we have to soldier on and go and do our best because national pride is at stake,” said Mlauzi.
Zimbabwe is placed in Group F alongside Canada, Germany and Australia, who are all in the top 10 of the world rankings while Zimbabwe is at number 93.
The Mighty Warriors kick off their campaign against Germany at Arena Corinthians, São Paulo before facing Canada at the venue three days later and their last group stage match is against Australia on 9 August at Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova.
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