Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY Warriors captain Nobukhosi Ncube is optimistic that her side can go past the group stage, if they present a united front at the upcoming COSAFA Women’s Championships.
The annual Southern African women’s football extravaganza is scheduled for Polokwane, South Africa, between February 18 and March 1 at three venues – Old Peter Mokaba, Seshogo and Peter Mokaba.
The Mighty Warriors will get their Group B campaign underway with clash against Eswatini at Seshogo on February 19.
They will then take on defending champions and tournament favourites Zambia on February 22 before dating Botswana two days later in their final group assignment.
Coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda and her charges need to either top the group or settle for second position to make it to the semi-finals.
Ncube feels that the Mighty Warriors should play with unity to make it to the next round of the games.
“In terms of talent, to be honest, we are very much okay, the team has all the flair and we have what it takes to upset any type of opponent, especially in this competition,” she said.
“From the three nations tournament coming into this camp, even as a player I can see that a lot has changed, the improvement is very apparent and we are all happy.”
The last time Zimbabwe played Zambia was at the Three Nations Tournament in Malawi in December last year where the Mighty Warriors lost 3-1 to the Copper Queens.
Prior to that tournament, the Mighty Warriors had not played on the international stage for nine months.
Further, at that tourney, Zambia had brought in their A-team, which comprised international based players while Zimbabwe only had locals.
In fact, the bulk of the Mighty Warriors were rookies who were making their debut in national team colours. Ncube notes that Zimbabwe, who were fresh in a rebuilding exercise, were rusty in that tournament as the new players were still adjusting to national team demands.
With “Kwinji 15” having kept her squad intact coming into this campaign, Ncube is optimistic that they will stage a respectable performance.
“We were not in our best shape last time, most of our players were playing on the international stage for the first time. Of course, we lost, but forcing a 3-1 scoreline against a star-studded Zambia that oozed all the experience was a huge statement for us.
“This time we will be a different side altogether, we are leaving nothing to chance, we just want to go out there and stun them,” she said. However, coach Sibanda warned her side against complacency.
She said while Zambia are highly expected to give them a huge challenge, Botswana and Eswatini cannot be underestimated. Since fixtures were released, “Kwinji 15” has placed her charges under a strict regime which has seen them conduct training tailor-made to each opponent.
Against Zambia, the coach wants her side to demonstrate some physical sharpness.
The Mighty Warriors is looking at a different approach, while for the other two opponents, a flowing passing game could take them past the group stages. “Since we regrouped, I have seen a lot of positives . . . the girls are progressing well and I am sure that if we continue in this projection, then we are headed towards something good,” said Sibanda.
“The youngsters are showing a lot of zeal, their confidence levels are high and you can see that even the fear-induced-tension is now gone.
“I am happy that our players are very well driven, you do not have to push them a lot because they are self-motivated and results oriented.” Sibanda said the players are working very hard because everyone wants to represent their country. Featuring for the Mighty Warriors also provides the players with a platform to secure more lucrative moves.
“The response is quite overwhelming and with time, I know we will be in better shape,” she said.
