Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Mighty Warriors have one more job to finish at the COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Zimbabwe face Zambia at New Peter Mokaba Stadium this afternoon, with a bronze medal on the line.
The kick-off will be at noon.
After falling short in a penalty shoot-out against South Africa in the semi-finals, Sithethelelwe Sibanda’s side now have a chance to leave the tournament with silverware and underline their resurgence.
It will be the second meeting between the two teams in seven days.
Their Group B clash ended goalless before both progressed to the last four.
Zambia were edged 1-0 by Namibia, while Zimbabwe pushed South Africa all the way before losing 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
For Zimbabwe, the defeat still lingers. They had not lost a match in open play and showed discipline and resolve throughout the tournament.
The semi-final proved they can stand up to the region’s strongest sides.
Today offers a chance to convert that progress into a podium finish.
“A bronze medal will not be bad for us, especially considering where we are coming from,” Sibanda said.
“There is still something to play for and we want to finish well.”
Her words carry weight.
In the previous edition, the Mighty Warriors failed to get past the group stage.
This time they arrived straight from the domestic off-season and still reached the semi-finals, competing on even terms with WAFCON-bound opposition.
The improvement is visible, but the task will not be straightforward.
Captain Nobukhosi Ncube is a major doubt after suffering a knee injury in the semi-final.
The right back, who takes free-kicks and has played every minute of the group stage, was stretchered off in the second half against South Africa.
Her absence would be a blow to both the defence and the team’s leadership spine.
Christabel Katona is expected to wear the armband if Ncube misses out.
The midfielder has grown into the tournament and will be central to Zimbabwe’s hopes, both in breaking up Zambia’s attacks and driving play forward.
Up front, Ethel Chinyerere and Praynance Zvawanda carry the responsibility of finding the goals that could settle the contest.
If the match ends level after 90 minutes, it will go straight to penalties. Only the final allows for extra time under tournament rules. That reality has not been lost on Sibanda.
“We have to improve when it comes to taking penalties,” she said.
“We do not want to make the same mistakes again. From the semi-final, it is clear that this is an area we have to work on.”
She admitted that the occasion affected some of her younger players.
“Psychologically, some of the takers and the youngsters were affected,” she said. “This is their first proper tournament and the semi-final atmosphere was intimidating. Stage fright took over. We know what needs to be done and today it comes down to us and how much we are prepared to fight.”
Katona believes the team’s mindset has shifted during the competition. Holding Zambia and South Africa over 90 minutes has given the squad belief.
“We have shown that we can compete with anyone,” she said. “We may not have big names, but when we combine our qualities we can stand toe to toe with the giants.”
Several members of the squad are still eligible for the Under-20 side, a sign of the rebuilding phase Zimbabwe are navigating.
Katona sees that as encouragement rather than a limitation.
“The foundation has been laid well. The young players are self-motivated and they want to return home with something to show for their first tournament at this level,” she said.
The team have also drawn strength from support off the pitch. Zimbabwean women’s football founder, Susan Chivizhe and veteran administrator Theresa Maguraushe, have visited the camp, while ZIFA vice president Loveness Mukura has been with the team at their base for the past week.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi addressed the players via teleconference, praising their performances and pledging continued backing.
“We are grateful for what you have done,” Magwizi told the squad. “You have represented the country well and we will continue to support you.”
For a team rebuilding its identity and depth, this bronze medal match is more than a consolation fixture.
It is a test of character after disappointment and a chance to confirm that the Mighty Warriors are moving in the right direction.
Tinaye Agere