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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi says he is pleased they got an opportunity to assess the team’s progress in their preparations for the Olympic Games in a match situation against South Africa on Sunday.
Zimbabwe lost 0-1 at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, Johannesburg.
However, despite going down to Banyana Banyana, Mlauzi said the match served its purpose as they were able to gauge the progress they have made so far.
“It was an important match which we wanted to test the other players. At the end of the day we managed to give a test to about three players.
“And it also gave us the platform to try new combinations in the event that our first team players may not be in form or they are injured.
“We managed to play all our players with the exception of the reserve goalkeeper (Manyara Mandara). We managed to play 17 players and when you test all your players one is happy regardless of the result,” said Mlauzi.
Some of the players the technical team had a look at include goalkeeper, Lindiwe Magwede, as well as striker Sibonginkosi Nleya and defender Nobukhosi Ncube.
And Mlauzi was full of praises for his charges.
“The match went on very well, we managed to hold our own in the first half but it was not easy being away from home. At the end of the day the core aspects of the team we wanted to test came out well.
“Of course we still need to go a gear up. The physical component still needs to be worked on. We still need to work on cohesion moving forward.
“Most of them, particularly Nobukhosi, had a very good game, very solid at the back. Lindiwe as well, I think she played very well.
“It was her first time, she didn’t have enough games under her belt but she did well. I am happy although there is room for improvement, like confidence of which it can come with time.
“Sibonginkosi Nleya, it was her first cap in the senior team, she came in late. She still needs to be given more match time but other than that the guys did very well,” said Mlauzi.
The team was expected back home last night and Sunday’s match concluded their two-week camp.
ZIFA spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela said they will announce dates for the next camp in due course.
Gwesela said they are also still negotiating for friendly matches against Sweden and New Zealand before the Games start in Brazil.
Zimbabwe will play Germany, Australia and Canada in Group F.
Online Reporter