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Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
MIGHTY Warriors coach Rose Mugadza yesterday called up a 23-member side to prepare for a friendly international against South Africa in Johannesburg this weekend. It will be the first international commitment by the recently elected administration led by Miriam Sibanda which replaced one led by Mavis Gumbo and Cecilia Malunga.
Mugadza was in Bulawayo yesterday to watch Inline Academy beat Cyclone Queens 2-1 in a NetOne Charity Shield semi-final match played at BG Sports Complex.
The veteran coach among legends to emerge from Bulawayo’s rich women’s soccer history having turned out for Zimbabwe Saints Queens, New Orleans and the Mighty Warriors, said the team would begin preparations for the Daverton game this morning. The girls were expected to camp at the Zifa Village in Harare last night and will leave for Johannesburg on Thursday.
“The girls should assemble in Harare today (yesterday). We will prepare for the trip and trim the final travelling party to 18 before we leave on Thursday,” said Mugadza.
She welcomed the resumption of national women’s activity. She said this would boost their selection process as the net would be cast wide to cover national, regional and provincial players.
“Inline Academy have work to do. It was a good game we watched but what I have noted is that the talent is there. The teams need to play more regularly at that level and for us as national coaches it is a good development.
“We are confident that the new board will force activity at all levels from province so that we have a continuous supply line for national teams. From what I saw today the girls have the potential and Inline Academy played well but there was a thin line between them and Cyclone Queens” said Mugadza.
The match played in chilly weather, saw Rejoice Kampfumvuti justifying her first call up to the senior national team with a polished performance. The promising Magwegwe lass dictated proceedings in midfield winning tussles, initiating play with some good diagonal long passes.
Mugadza has however kept faith in the team she has been working with in recent years.
“It is good to keep the team intact and adding new faces as we go. We want to do well in Africa with these girls and we welcome opportunities to expose the team,’ said Mugadza.
Team
Kudzanayi Chiparausha (Aces Academy), Mavis Chirandu (Auckaland), Deliwe Makaha, Berita Kabwe (Tennex), Talent Mandza, Rutendo Makore, Kuda Basopo, Patience Mujuru, Violet Bepete (Black Rhinos), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Melody Musasa, Emmaculate Msipa (Mufakose), Nokuthula Ndlovu, Prisca Khumalo (New Orleans), Nobuhle Majika, Rudo Neshamba, Sicelo Dube, Rejoice Kampfumvuti (Inline Academy), Lindiwe Magwede, Felistas Muzongondi (Cyclone), Chido Nyaumwe, Merjory Nyaumwe, Erina Jeke (Flame Lily)
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter