adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors resumed training yesterday at Rufaro after boycotting Tuesday’s sessions demanding their outstanding bonuses dating back to last year.
Zimbabwe’s senior women national team takes on Cote d’Ivoire in the Olympic Games qualifiers first leg tie this Sunday at Robert Champroux, Abidjan, and are today expected to leave for West Africa.
Yesterday they had their training session in the morning at Rufaro before training again in the afternoon with a friendly match against LM Auctioneers men’s team.
Coach Rosemary Mugadza said the sit-in by the players on Wednesday affected their plans, but they are happy the players decided to resume training yesterday.
“We trained in the morning as well as in the afternoon and this is our last session because we are leaving tomorrow (today).
“I am happy that at least they have changed their attitude and we hope that they carry on with the attitude they have today until we play Cote d’Ivoire.
“In terms of their fitness level, it affected us. As the technical team, we were not happy, but there was nothing we could do.
“We thought at least they could have trained the whole of yesterday and make sure they have their grievances addressed when we come back from Cote d’Ivoire.
“But as players they have their captains and can do whatever they want. So, we could not convince them to train,” said Mugadza.
Mugadza said the friendly match was meant to compensate for the lost time.
“We played boys today; it was to push them for the day we lost yesterday and they are willing to work hard.
“The first team conceded two goals and the last team conceded just one and that shows our level of fitness is improving and we are hoping for the best
“Cote d’Ivoire are going to come at us and we have done our homework knowing the formation that they use when attacking.
“When you are playing away you hope for the best.”
Cote d’Ivoire were at the Women’s World Cup and last year took part in the African Women Championships and they are the favourites going into this match.
However, Mugadza said the fact that they are underdogs is an advantage for her side.
“It’s going to be a very difficult game as they have played at the World Cup and will be hungry to at least maintain that record to be among the best teams in Africa,” Mugadza said.
Zimbabwe Women Football board member competition Cecilia Gambe yesterday confirmed that the team was expected to head for Cote d’Ivoire today.
“Yes, the team is going tomorrow (today), but I am not sure what time,” Gambe said.
Final team:
Chido Dzingirai, Process Chatsamwa, Patience Mujuru, Nobuhle Majika, Sheila Makoto, Moleen Murandu, Emmaculate Msipa, Marjory Nyaumwe, Felistas Muzongondi, Lynett Mutokuto, Rejoice Kamupfumvuti, Mavisa Chirandu, Rudo Neshamba, Erina Jeke, Berita Kabwe, Talent Mandaza, Rutendo Makore, Eunice Chibanda.
Online Reporter