admininternational friendly soccer match.
Zimbabwe were also unlucky to emerge victorious and coach Mugadza felt hard done by the “goal”, which was scored by Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi in the second half but was disallowed by the Mozambican referee, who adjudged that there was an infringement on the hosts’ goalkeeper.
However, Mugadza, believes her charges had a good outing and are in the right direction as they give the South Africans team a tough time.
The matches between the two teams have been close contests of late.
The former Mighty Warriors captain Mugadza believes that while South Africa have come of age and have been competing regularly on the international stage, they are now on the same level with Zimbabwe.
“Gone are the days when we would come here and they would beat us convincingly. Moreso if you look at them, they have been competing yearly in all the major competitions whilst our football has been in the doldrums.
“So in terms of progress, we are doing better and it is high time that we have all the Southern Region bragging rights.
“We have won the Cosafa tournament and we are playing in these matches so that we defend our title later this year in Namibia,” said Mugadza.
The Mighty Warriors coach said they are also tapping as much as they can from their neighbours who have been breaking new ground in terms of women’s football.
Last year, Banyana Banyana took part in the London 2012 Olympics Games and early this year featured in the Cyprus Cup. The Cup had European teams such as giants Sweden and England among other teams.
“Remember, they are the second-ranked team in Africa at the moment after they finished second at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“And in this match (on Saturday), if you consider that we are still off-season and our league hasn’t started while they have been playing week in and out, it shows that we are improving.
“We also had a better performance than the recent match against Zambia and we need to keep this momentum going.
“The players had a good performance and we were able to assess most of the players who also played in Lusaka,” said Mugadza.
Banyana Banyana coach Joseph Mkhonza also saluted Zimbabwe for giving them a good run for their money. A week ago South Africa played Mozambique in Nelspruit and won 5-0. But it was a different kettle of fish on Saturday as Janine van Wyk and company huffed and puffed for the draw against Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors.
Zimbabwe scored the opening goal through regular goal-getter Rudo Neshamba who was also on target in the 3-1 victory over Zambia in Lusaka.
And the visitors could have got the insurance goal immediately after the resumption when striker Violet Bepete’s shot was denied by the woodwork.
It was a more polished performance by Zimbabwe in the second period and the South African goalkeeper, who kept being attended to by the medics, and her defenders had a busy afternoon repelling the Mighty Warriors’ attack.
The Mighty Warriors, however, were let down by some poor finishing and subdued Black Rhinos forward Bepete was eventually pulled out and her replacement Rutendo Makore could have capped it with a goal but was a bit casual.
The changes made by the technical team also brought some urgency into the team’s play.
It wasn’t a one-sided affair as South Africa also asked some questions and the Mighty Warriors’ defence, marshalled by Melody Musasa, was ready to repel whatever came their way.
On two occasions, Mufakose Queens defender Musasa and Danai Bhobho were called into action to clear their lines. The Mighty Warriors will now shift their focus to the domestic league which is expected to start next week. The Mighty Warriors, who made the long trip back home by road yesterday, are expected to arrive home today.
At least they have something to show for their long journey and are not returning home empty-handed.
Online Reporter