adminGrace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors’ coach Rosemary Mugadza wants her charges to complete their mission when they meet Botswana in the return leg of the African Women Championships at Rufaro on Sunday. The Mighty Warriors carry a slender 1-0 lead, courtesy of a priceless goal by Violet Bepete in Gaborone two weeks ago.
Mugadza believes her charges are in better shape ahead of the second leg.
The winning team will meet the winner between Zambia and Tanzania in the next round.
Zambia won the first leg 2-1 in Lusaka but faces an uphill task in Dar-es-Salaam against a good Twiga Stars side.
“Our training sessions have gone well. We started last week on Tuesday and all the players, including Rutendo Makore, and Erina Jeke who missed the first leg through injuries, are back,” said Mugadza.
“As I speak now, all of them are fit and they are training with the rest of the squad and we hope to have a good squad that will beat Botswana come Sunday.
“The fitness level is improving day in and day out and we played a friendly match on Sunday against Harare City. The guys were good, they gave us the competition that we needed and the girls showed courage.
“This is exactly what we need and we are hoping they will carry on from what they did on Sunday.
“As for now we just have minor injuries and they are not serious, they are all training and that is what we need.”
Mugadza said her charges now know what to expect from their opponents after Botswana surprised them with their good show in the first leg.
“They (Botswana) are very good and they have improved in everything. They have improved a lot and the girls were shocked with the performance they showed,” said Mugadza.
“And what they have been telling each other is to continue to work hard for this return leg for us to qualify for Afcon.
“We did well in Botswana as you know it’s very difficult to beat them in their backyard but we managed to come right and not concede.
“What we need is to, at least, get an early goal, let’s say in the first 20 minutes. If we can score a goal or two then we know we are home and dry.”
Mighty Warriors
C. Dzingirayi, L. Magwede, R. Mutyavaviri, N. Magika, M. Musasa, P. Mujuru, T. Mandaza, F. Muzongondi, M. Nyaumwe, R. Neshamba, T. Mbepo, N. Ndlovu, M. Chirandu, K. Bhasopo, V. Bepete, E. Msipa, S. Dube, K. Chiparaushe, R. Makore, P. Khumalo, M. Mandara, E. Jeke, B. Kabwe, R. Mutseneki, P. Sibanda.
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