admincountry which he believes has put them in good stead to withstand the heat at the All-Africa Games in Mozambique next month.
The Mighty Warriors had a two-week training camp in Germany which ended on August 6 and which was spiced up by some international friendly matches against Second Division and Bundesliga opposition.
It is easily the best preparations the Mighty Warriors have had ahead of any competition since the advent of the women’s game in the country.
Zimbabwe, who were crowned Cosafa champions in July, are pooled in the same group with neighbours South Africa, Tanzania and Ghana for the 10th All-Africa Games, which begin in Maputo on September 3.
Pagels, who facilitated the training camp in Germany reckoned that the Mighty Warriors should benefit from the tour where they were exposed to op notch training facilities and high level competition.
The German expatriate coach, however, said it was imperative that Rose Mugadza’s charges needed to maintain the right frame of mind when they begin their All-Africa Games campaign.
“I observed that the team has improved a lot in their play and really put a lot of pressure. They improved their skills to score from the second row out of the penalty box.
“And I think it was really a good idea and the training camp should also improve the physical condition of the players.
“They were engaged, eager to learn and were concentrating. In the matches they showed they got it in their brains what I wanted them to do and the most important thing is that they worked together
as a group, are a disciplined side and I appreciate working with them,” said Pagels.
The technical expert said the Mighty Warriors surprised him in Germany when they matched a Bundesliga team.
“Before the camp I thought that their level was at par with second or third league teams in Germany but when I saw their match against HSV Hamburger, they played well and matched the First Division side.
“They showed that they are in the same class.
“I think the team would be on a high level at the All-Africa Games. They should not forget what they learnt and if they implement what they learnt then they will do well in Mozambique,” said Pagels.
The Mighty Warriors, Pagels said, need to continue accessing facilities like the gym in order to remain in the right physical condition to compete at the highest level.
“It is a pity that most of the payers cannot have access to a gym but I would have loved to have each of them spend at least half an hour in a gym everyday because this is important for their conditioning,” he said.
Zimbabwe were invited by the German Olympic Sports Confederation, and similar programmes have, in the past, benefited countries such as Mozambique and Namibia after the Germans seconded their experts, including Pagels, to work with those countries’ associations.
Pagels also revealed that such a training camp could become an annual event but Zifa would have to be clearon the teams that would travel after the association failed, at the last minute, to send the national Under-20 side on a similar mission.
“I will talk to the Zifa president first then I will know whether l can commit myself in these tours. If Zimbabwe wants me to do the same next year then things should change and show me the tickets way before because I am not happy with had happened with the Under-20 team.
“They will have to ask the Mighty Warriors to know what they missed by failing to make it for the training camp,” said Pagels.
The bouyant Mighty Warriors are expected to troop back into camp tomorrow to prepare for the Maputo Games.
Their coach Mugadza said they would be working on the shortcomings they observed during their tour.
“The tour provided us with a good two weeks of training where we worked on fitness and other aspects of the game. I can say the girls are mentally prepared for the tournament.
“We had 24 players and I was able to try different combinations ahead of the tournament.
“Everyone gave a good account of themselves in the different roles they played and did what they were instructed to do but in a football match you can make mistakes.
“The Germans have won the World Cup and they have technique and everything and we really benefited from playing against them,” said Mugadza.
Online Reporter