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Innocent Kurira
MIGHTY Warriors coach Shadreck Mlauzi says he has been impressed with the positive energy in camp as they prepare for a return to the COSAFA Women’s Championships next week.
The 2023 edition of the competition will be held in Gauteng, South Africa, from October 4 to 15.
Zimbabwe will be making a return to the competition having missed the last edition owing to a suspension from FIFA, which has since been lifted.
The Mighty Warriors will open their campaign with a tie against Lesotho on October 6.
Mlauzi’s troops are in Group C alongside Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana.
After Lesotho, Zimbabwe will face Namibia two days later before wrapping up their pool assignments against Botswana on October 11.
“All has been good so far.
“The ladies have responded swiftly to the demands we have given them. They are showing loads of positivity in everything we have been doing.
“The mood in camp is really exciting.
“We have a packed schedule but the ladies are putting in the shift.
“Previously, we have had players coming into camp flat in terms of fitness because they will be lacking game time.
“This time around we do not have such a situation as everyone is fit and appears ready for the challenge,” said Mlauzi.
“Of course, there is a lot of work to be done to get to the level we were at before but as long as we work hard we can make up for the lost time.
“Right now, we want to place more effort on ourselves and not much about the opposition we will face. We have to make sure we are ready for the competition,” said Mlauzi.
He was in charge of the country’s senior women’s national team at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil and will be assisted by FC Platinum Queens’ Sithethelwe Sibanda, Correctional Services’ Choice Dambudza and former Mighty Warriors coach assistant coach Yohanne Chikaola.
Former Mutare City coach Ndega Matsika is the goalkeepers’ coach, while Portia Chiota is the team manager.
COSAFA Draw
Group A South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar and Eswatini.
Group B Zambia, Mozambique, Angola and Comoros.
Online Reporter