Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze and Tawanda Munthali
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda says she is impressed by the progress made by the team ahead of the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Yesterday the Zimbabwe Football Association named a 23-player squad for the tournament set for Polokwane, South Africa, from February 18 to March 1.
Five players were dropped from the provisional 28-member squad that had been in camp in Harare over the past two weeks, including rising stars Tanyaradzwa Chihoro and Thandolwenkosi Sibanda.
The team was expected to leave today.
Speaking before the team announcement, Sibanda said she is encouraged by the integration of new players as she begins rebuilding the side.
“I am charmed with the progression I have seen in these young girls. This is what any coach in our current state would want,” Sibanda said.
Several youngsters made their senior debut at last December’s Three Nations Cup in Malawi as part of a long-term succession plan.
Despite the transition, the squad retains experienced campaigners, including Rutendo Makore, Daisy Kaitano, Egness Tumbare and Sheila Antonio.
Zimbabwe open their Group B campaign against Eswatini on Thursday in a pool that also features reigning champions Zambia and Botswana.
The Mighty Warriors’ only COSAFA title came in 2011, with runner-up finishes in 2007 and 2017.
They exited at the group stage in the last edition after beating Lesotho 3-0 before falling 1-0 to Mozambique.
Sibanda says the focus is on finding balance between rebuilding and remaining competitive.
“This COSAFA is the first real assignment for the young players. We approached camp in two directions. Being off-season, we prioritised physical fitness to get the girls into the best shape,” she said.
“We want them to enjoy the game, adjust to international standards without pressure and build continuity. With enough exposure through tournaments and friendlies, we are on to something good.”
MIGHTY WARRIORS SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga
(Platinum Royals)
DEFENDERS: Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens)
MIDFIELDERS: Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens)
FORWARDS: Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens)
