MIGHTY WARRIORS GET PRICELESS POINT

THE Mighty Warriors responded to a financial boost they received with a hard-fought goalless draw against Zambia in the COSAFA Cup at Seshego Stadium yesterday.

Going into the match, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Honorable Emily Jesaya made the announcement that the Mighty Warriors will be pocketing US$2,700 each courtesy of President Mnangagwa.

ZIFA will still pay the players’ allowances, appearance fees and winning bonuses.

And, when they took to the field, for the high-stakes clash against Zambia, the team fought like real Warriors.

Head coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda, banked on experience, deploying seniors to do duty.

Goalie Cynthia Shonga returned while the trio of Rutendo Makore, Ethel Chinyerere and Praynance Zvawanda led from the front.

Daisy Kaitano, Egness Tumbare and Shiela Antonio provided shield to Shonga.

However, the Zambians looked more dangerous upfront as they countlessly breached the Mighty Warriors defence only for Shonga to save the day. Sibanda was forced to make some tactical changes in the second half, introducing more defensive-minded players to, at least, settle for a point.

“We knew it would be a tough match, Zambia are good, they are very physical and the fact that they are defending champions obviously they would give us trouble,” said Sibanda.

“Our changes were tactical, we had to reserve energy…we are not fully fit so with just two days to rest before our games against Botswana, we did not want to really overload the players.”

Zimbabwe are on second position in Group B with four points along with Zambia who have a superior goal difference.

However, if Zambia also win their final fixture, Zimbabwe will need more goals to go top while a small margin victory, takes them to the knockout round as the best overall runners-up.

“We are already in a good position to make it to the next round so what we need to do now is to remain focused and not pressure ourselves that much,” said Sibanda.

“We need the goals but we are not under pressure, our plan is to be up there tactically to stay in the game because as it is, the group is still open.

“Overally I am happy with how the girls have carried themselves and being able to stand the competition against other nations whose leagues are running while we are just coming from off-season.”

Deputy Minister Jesaya, who delivered the good news before the game, said she got the clear needs to of the Mighty Warriors when she visited them in camp before departure.

“Just as I had promised them that we needed to improve their welfare, I went to the President and presented their case,” said the Deputy Minister.

“I’m glad we have a listening President, he came through and I’m here to deliver his gift to the girls…whether they win or lose, the girls are entitled to our support.”