Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Mighty Warriors are finally back together.
Thirty players troop into camp in Harare today as Zimbabwe kicks off its push for the Four Nations tournament in Lilongwe. The group has spent most of the year watching from the sidelines and the return to real competition has sparked real excitement.
Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa are lined up for the showdown at Bingu National Stadium from November 29 to December 2.
Zimbabwe and Zambia have already confirmed. Malawi said yesterday South Africa are still tidying up their paperwork.
This will be only their second taste of international football since the WAFCON qualifier against Angola.
The long wait has made this camp feel bigger than a normal call-up.
ZIFA Women’s Football chairperson and association vice president Loveness Mukura said:
“The camp for the Mighty Warriors begins tomorrow (today). There are 30 players who are all hungry for international football and we are looking forward to seeing them prepare and eventually compete at the Four Nations Cup.
“I am sure the technical team led by Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda is also eager to start working with the group.”
Sibanda has gone for a blend of youth and experience.
She wants her team sharp and settled before they leave for Malawi.
The former Mighty Warriors midfielder said:
“We would actually want to play regularly during FIFA international breaks. We want our girls to be in regular competition to improve their play.
“But to be honest, I am grateful with this opportunity and want to give it our best shot. It’s been long without that kind of exposure and I choose to be positive that the girls will give their best as they are hungry for international exposure.”
The squad will be cut from 30 to 23 before departure on November 27. Mighty Warriors squad
GOALKEEPERS
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
DEFENDERS
Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Thandekile Mandaba (Correctional Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens)
MIDFIELDERS
Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens)
FORWARDS
Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Blessing Moyo (Correctional Queens), Mitchel Guri (Highlanders Royals), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos)
TECHNICAL TEAM
Sithethelelwe Sibanda (Head Coach), Tsitsi Shiri (Assistant Coach), Onai Chingawo (Goalkeepers Coach), Primrose Serima (Fitness Coach), Margaret Maulana (Team Doctor), Kudzanayi Matavire (Physiotherapist), Petronella Mutyambizi (Safeguarding), Debra Green (Team Manager)
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