Mighty Warriors start Cosafa preparations

THE senior national women’s soccer team, the Mighty Warriors will camp in Harare today ahead of their 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship in neighbouring South Africa early next month.

Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) Normalisation Committee (NC) member Rosemary Mugadza said the country’s flagship women’s side is set to leave for South Africa on October 3.

“The girls will get into camp tomorrow (today) to start their preparations for the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship. The team will leave for South Africa on October 3 and they will play their first game on October 6. As the Normalisation Committee we are happy that our players have finally got the opportunity to play international football again. We are looking forward to regrouping as a nation after getting a platform that will give the girls a chance to showcase their talent,” said Mugadza.

Zimbabwe makes a return to the tournament after missing last year’s edition due to a Fifa ban on the country. This year’s tournament is set for Gauteng, South Africa from October 4 to 15.

The NC appointed Bulawayo Chiefs assistant coach Shadreck Mlauzi, who is not new in the Mighty Warriors technical team as head coach.

Mlauzi, who was in charge of the country’s senior women’s national team at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, will be assisted by FC Platinum Queens’ Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, Correctional Services’ Choice Dambudza and former Mighty Warriors assistant coach Yohanne Chikaola.

Former Mutare City coach Ndega Matsika is the goalkeepers coach, while Portia Chiota is the team manager.

Mlauzi-led technical team will be in charge until June next year, concurrently with NC’s tenure.

Zimbabwe were placed in Group C along with Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana following a draw conducted last week.

In their first game, the Mighty Warriors will play against Lesotho. This will be the women’s team’s first international involvement since the lifting of the Fifa ban in July.

Mlauzi and his lieutenant yesterday named a 25-member provisional squad that includes seasoned forward Rudo Neshamba of Harare City Queens, Thelma Masawi of Platinum Royals, goalkeepers Cynthia Shonga, Lindiwe Magwede and Chido Dzingirai.

There were also places for midfielders Morelife Nyagumbo, Bethel Kondo (Faithdrive), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Privilege Mupeti and Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos)

Provional squad
Goalkeepers: Cynthia Shonga (Harare City Queens), Lindiwe Magwede (Herentals Queens), Chido Dzingirai (Correctional Queens)
Defenders: Vimbai Mharadzi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Edeline Mutumbami (Chapungu Queens), Thelma Masawi (Platinum Royals), Purity Mgayi, Eunice Chibanda (Black Rhinos) Hazvinei Dhlakama, Mitchel Nyakatsapa (Harare City Queens)

Midfielders: Morelife Nyagumbo, Bethel Kondo (Faithdrive), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Privilege Mupeti, Emmaculate Msipa, Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos), Ennerty Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Maningi Queens), Peace Kanende (Coal Wizard),
Forwards: Maudy Mafuruse, Praynence Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Rudo Neshamba (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Lozikeyi Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens)

Technical staff: Shadreck Mlauzi — Head coach, Yohane Chikaola — Assistant coach, Sithethelelwe Sibanda — Assistant coach, Ndega Matsika — Goalkeepers coach, Brenda Chaora — Strength and Conditioning coach, Portia Chiota — Team Manager, Choice Dambuza — Kit Manager, Dr Margaret Maulana — Medical Doctor, Kudzanai Matavire — Physiotherapist, Dorothy Mugari — Safeguarding Officer, Chioniso Mashakada — Media Officer.
— @FungaiMuderere.