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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Olympics-bound Mighty Warriors are itching for as many friendly matches as possible ahead of their Africa Women Cup of Nations first leg qualifier away to Tanzania early next month. Shadreck Mlauzi’s history-making girls take on Tanzania over the weekend of March 4 to 6 before playing host to the East Africans two weeks later.
If they win, Mighty Warriors will have to clear their last hurdle against either Zambia or Namibia in April. The 12th edition of the championships will be held in Cameroon from November 19 to December 3.
In an interview, both squad captain Felistus Muzongodi and her coach Mlauzi said friendly matches would go a long way in helping the team shape up as they fine tune ahead of the qualifiers and the Rio de Janeiro games.
The Mighty Warriors were expected to play Botswana but Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela was yesterday non committal when asked about the friendly.
“We would really appreciate as many friendly matches as possible; our camp here in Bulawayo has been fantastic. The coaches are doing a wonderful job and everyone is happy, following what the coaches tell us,” said Muzongodi.
She said the training equipment and venues are of the highest standard as well.
“The team has been in camp for one-and-a-half weeks now, with two training sessions per day,” said Muzongodi. The captain said the Tanzanian game was a must-win tie “as we not only want to go to the next round but we want to qualify for the finals as well.”
Thirty players are in camp and Mlauzi indicated that his technical team would likely trim the squad before departure for Tanzania.
Online Reporter