adminSikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors’ preparations for another major international tournament have once again got off to a false start with the girls failing to converge on Monday, just over a month ahead of the Total African Women’s Championship finals in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
The continental women’s football jamboree will run from November 19 to December 3.
The Mighty Warriors had poor preparations for the Olympic Games in August and although Zifa admitted to bungling and promised a better job for the continental finals, nothing seems to have changed.
“The team will now be announced next week,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela. The Mighty Warriors have had one international friendly match since the Olympics, beating Egypt 2-1 at Rufaro Stadium.
“Fears are growing that coach Shadreck Mlauzi will not have enough time to prepare for the event.
“Zifa has sent letters inviting Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania for international friendlies against the Mighty Warriors, but none of them have responded yet.
“We are still discussing with the three countries and still remain positive that one or two will accede to our request,” said Gwesela.
Zimbabwe are tentatively expected to fly to Yaoundé on November 12 and have a week to acclimatise before their first game in Group A against neighbours South Africa on November 19.
Their next match will be on November 22 against Egypt before wrapping up the group matches against hosts Cameroon, a team they beat 2-1 on aggregate to qualify for their maiden Olympic Games appearance.
The top two in each of the two groups will progress to the semi-finals, with the winner of Group A facing Group B runners-up and vice-versa in the semi-finals set for November 29.
Defending champions Nigeria are in Group A and favourites to top the group, setting the stage for a fierce top place finish in Group B to avoid meeting the defending champions.
Zimbabwe will be making their fourth appearance at the finals. Their best performance was a fourth-place finish in 2000 in South Africa after losing 0-6 to Nigeria in the semis. They lost 3-6 to Ghana in the bronze medal clash.
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Online Reporter