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Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach, Sithetheliwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, says they will guard against complacency when they take on Eswatini in an Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifier at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Zimbabwe host the first leg before they travel to Mbabane on October 26.
The team which wins the two-legged matches progresses to the last qualifying round.
The Women Cup of Nations will be held next year, in July, in Morocco.
Zimbabwe’s path has Eswatini and they could meet the winner between Botswana and Mozambique, in the last qualifying round.
The Mighty Warriors and Botswana were in the same group at the COSAFA Championships.
Zimbabwe emerged triumphant during that match, winning 3-0.
Despite Eswatini being the Group C weakest team at the regional tournament, where they lost 0-5 to Zambia, 1-5 to Uganda and 0-1 to Namibia, the Mighty Warriors coach is fully aware of the dangers of complacency.
Zimbabwe have dominated all their games against Eswatini.
“There is no room for complacency, we know they have their strengths,” said Sibanda.
“We have played against them, and managed to beat them, but they have their strengths so we are approaching this game with the right mindset.
“But, we have prepared for them,” said Sibanda.
The Mighty Warriors have been in camp for a month now, having regrouped for the COSAFA tournament, and deciding not to break camp, when they returned from South Africa.
“It really helped us to train, and work further, on our fitness levels,” said Sibanda.
“We may not be 100 percent fit but we are better now and ready to compete.”
The coach was forced to make three changes, from the team, which travelled to the Eastern Cape. Mighty Warriors chief striker, Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore, is still out with an injury.
Black Rhinos midfielder, Mavis Chirandu, and Herentals defender, Talent Mungwanda, have been excused from camp, to sort out some personal issues. Sibanda has since roped in Purity Mugayi, Faith Moyo and Dina Rose Banda, who were dropped, when the team travelled for the regional tournament.
Online Reporter