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AS the Mighty Warriors step up their preparations for the last qualifying round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations against Zambia, coach Shadreck Mlauzi is satisfied with the progress his charges are making ahead of Wednesday’s game.
Zimbabwe hosts Zambia in the first leg of the last qualifying round at Rufaro on Wednesday and will be aiming for a win to keep their hopes alive of making it to the final tournament in Cameroon later this year.
Mlauzi said they are happy with the response from the players although he feels it would have been a better situation if the league was running in terms of attaining match fitness.
“The girls have responded very well. We have had very good training sessions from day one. The first couple of days we were focused on improving fitness of the girls.
“We have managed to see great improvement. We are now working on the combined tactical and technical aspects.
“Of course, they never reach that level you would want especially given that there is no running league. So we cannot bemoan but we can only be happy when we have them in camp and they respond well,” said Mlauzi.
The return leg is on April 10 at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka and, considering that the games will be played inside five days, Mlauzi said they will have to work on the recovery techniques to ensure the players are up to the task.
“What becomes important between the matches are the recovery techniques that are used and that’s what we will be covering this time around.
“Of course, the recovery techniques used at this level are very important. We will have to give the girls time to recover and work on the tactics depending on the result of Wednesday’s game.
“But a lot of work has been done on fitness. So the recovering will be much faster than when we were unfit, that’s why it is important to service the component of fitness,” said Mlauzi
Zambia got into camp last week as they are also fancying their chances of qualifying for the tournament scheduled for November 19 to December 3 in Cameroon.
They were at the 2014 edition after beating Zimbabwe in the final qualifying round and the two teams meet again this year to determine who will progress this time around in what is likely to be an interesting tie.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Flame Lily), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Manyara Mandara (Mwenezana), Amanda Banda (Chapungu).
Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Eunice Chibanda, Lynett Mutokuto, Patience Mujuru, Rufaro Machingura (all Black Rhinos) Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Florence Maponga (Mufakose), Danai Bhobho (Mwenezana).
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Viola Ndlovu, Talent Mandaza, Daisy Kaitano (all Black Rhinos), Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily), Greater Bhande (Cyclone Stars), Mavis Chirandu (Weerams), Bokani Sibanda (Hwange).
Strikers: Felistas Muzongondi (Mwenezana), Erina Jeke, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Berita Kabwe (Flame Lily), Kudakwashe Basopo (Black Rhinos), Sibonginkosi Nleya (Chapungu), Priviledge Mupeti (Inline).
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