admin
Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
UNDER-20 players that will represent Zimbabwe at the December Region Five Games in Bulawayo dominate the national women’s soccer team that plays host to South Africa in Harare on Friday.
Twenty-five players were expected to report for camp in Harare last night for the international friendly match against Banyana Banyana who are using the encounter to prepare for the African Women’s Championships finals set for Namibia later this year.
With the Mighty Warriors out of the continental showpiece, the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League leadership saw wisdom in using the game set for Rufaro Stadium as part of the Under-20s’ preparations for the end of year regional Games.
Under-20 coach Langton Giwa who will be assisted by former Mighty Warriors star Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda said his charges would be ready for Banyana Banyana.
“This is a good opportunity for our girls to get real competition as we prepare for the December Region Five Games. South Africa are a good side and I am confident they are going to give us a good run for their money. On our part we will give our best. We are aware of the danger that South Africa is going to pose and that is why we have blended juniors with seniors whose experience is vital.
“Our training starts tomorrow and we should be ready by Friday,” Giwa said.
Some of the experienced players that have been called for national duty include Inline Academy’s duo of Rejoyce Kapfumvuti and forward Rudo Neshamba as well as Marjory Nyaumwe of Flame Lilly Queens.
Inline Academy who won the NetOne Cup at the weekend after beating Black Rhinos in penalty shootout, have Sithembile Nyoni and Sukoluhle Ndlovu going for camp with Sehliselo Nyoni of New Orleans completing the list of Bulawayo based players who received national team call-ups.
Zifa spokesman Xolisani Gwesela called on football lovers to come in their numbers and cheer the Mighty Warriors and said his organisation views the growth of women’s football as key to the development of the country.
“The emancipation of women through football has taken centre stage in recent years and for that reason we are appealing to fans to come in their large numbers and support the girl child. Remember, most of these players that will feature on Friday are future national team stars and they need to be supported so that they keep doing well,” said Gwesela.
Banyana Banyana are expected in Harare tomorrow.
Squad
Mavis Chirandu, Lincie Mpaya (Auckaland Queens, Bindura), Sithembile Nyoni, Rejoyce Kapfumvuti, Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Rudo Neshamba (Inline Academy, Bulawayo), Chido Dzingirai, Marjory Nyaumwe (Flame Lilly Queens, Harare), Felistas Muzongondi, Chipo Marondera, Gracious Mageza, Greater Bhande, Mercy Marowa, Felistas Muchekenyi (Cyclone Stars, Harare), Sehliselo Nyoni (New Orleans, Bulawayo), Vimbai Mharadzi (Blue Swallows, Harare), Melody Musasa, Chido Muhara, Lydia Mapunhure, Immaculate Msipa, Yvonne Mutsakuni, Yolanda Mare (Mufakose Queens, Harare), Ethel Chinyerere (Chipembere Queens, Gweru), Rachel Mutseneki (Tenax Queens, Mutare), Precious Chirinda (ZRP Harare Province)
Technical team: Langton Giwa (head coach), Sithethelelwe Sibanda (assistant coach), Daniel Kabanga (goalkeepers’ coach), Debra Green (manager), Dorothy Masawi (doctor), Abigail Munikwa (physiotherapist)
Online Reporter