adminNgqwele Dube Sports Correspondent
MIGHTY Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi is working around the clock to ensure high fitness levels among his players due to a short period of time his charges have been in camp.
The Mighty Warriors, who went into camp in Bulawayo on Monday, face Tanzania in an African Women Championships qualifier in Dar es Salam next Friday. Mlauzi said due to the off season, fitness levels were very low among most of his players, adding the technical department was working very hard to get the girls to peak condition and were utilising a local gym to that effect.
Most of the players had not seen action for some time as most teams were yet to start training for the 2016 season, but Mlauzi said despite the short time in camp he was confident his charges would be ready for the challenges ahead.
“We did tests on the players and the results indicated that we still have a long way to go in terms of fitness but it is something we are seriously working on. Even going into the Tanzania game I don’t think we would have managed to reach the optimum fitness levels but we will get it right as we go on because there is a lot of work still to be done,” said Mlauzi.
He said he was hopeful the proposed friendly against neighbours Botswana would materialise before they leave for Harare on 29 February.
The former Inline Academy coach had drafted a plan that would have seen the women’s side go into camp in December but financial problems saw Zifa delaying organising camp for the team.
Mighty Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Flame Lily), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Vanessa Lunga (Black Rhinos)
Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Eunice Chibanda, Lynette Mutokuto, Daisy Kaitano, Patience Mujuru, Rufaro Machingura (all Black Rhinos), Nobukhosi Ncube, Prisca Khumalo (New Orleans), Sarudzai Chikowore (Conduit)
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Talent Mandaza, Viola Ndlovu (all Black Rhinos), Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Sifundile Moyo (Inline Academy), Felistas Muzongondi (Mwenezana), Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lily), Greater Bhande (Cyclone Stars), Aldiglade Bhamu (Mufakose), Mavis Chirandu (Weerams), Nomazulu Tshuma (Hwange)
Strikers: Rudo Neshamba (Weerams), Erina Jeke, Samkelisiwe Zulu (all Flame Lily), Tonderai Masango, Priviledge Mupeti (all Inline Academy), Sibonginkosi Nleya (Chapungu)
Bongani Ndlovu