Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe senior women’s football team may have failed to bag gold at the just-ended Three-Nations Tournament, but their coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is impressed with her project.
Zimbabwe prevailed 2-1 over hosts Malawi before a heartbreaking 3-1 slump to the Copper Queens of Zambia.
Sibanda’s charges went into battle against Zambia needing only a draw to win the mini tournament but instead settled for second place with three points.
Zambia had been restricted to a draw in their first assignment against Malawi but found their mojo when they faced the Mighty Warriors.
This was the Mighty Warriors’ first showing at an international stage in nine months and Sibanda has every reason to be happy as her charges dusted their cobwebs to finish as runners-up.
Their participation provided valuable exposure for the team, especially after a prolonged period of inactivity.
Sibanda chose to focus on the positives as she continues to build a new generation of Mighty Warriors.
“When we came into the tournament, for us it was good because we were to get some exposure after a very long time,” she said.
“For months we had not been active, let alone get friendly games so for us and our fans back at home we now realise how much exposure is important especially in our rebuilding.”
The new-look Mighty Warriors outfit was made up of young locally-based players, most of whom have barely earned five national team caps.
And based on the results, Sibanda would be satisfied with the team’s trajectory. With patience, commitment and adequate financial backing the project promises to yield positive results in the near future.
Sibanda was charmed with the team’s overall performance.
“Although in the initial stages of our second game we were jittery, resulting in us conceding two early goals owing to defensive lapses, our rebound was reassuring,” she said.
The ex-Chapungu Queens coach also noted the need for unity and cohesion from her team.
She was also happy with the team’s intensity in attack in which they created a number of scoring opportunities with poor finishing their biggest undoing.
“Generally I am impressed with the ladies’ performance, especially when we look at where we are coming from and how much exposure our opponents get. “Zambia gave us a good run, they showed cohesion as a team which I believe they have earned over a period of playing together . . . this is something that I believe we need to learn from,” she said.
Despite the setbacks, Sibanda believes there is huge potential in her side, which needs to be backed by more game time and constant exposure.
“Overall, the tournament was a huge learning platform which allowed us to compete against some of the best teams in the Southern region and gain insights that will aid in the development of our team,” Sibanda said.
The former Zimbabwe international is also adamant that the country is endowed with talented players who have the potential to help the Mighty Warriors return to the Olympic Games stage and secure a maiden World Cup qualification.
