adminSimba Dube Sports Reporter
ACTING Zimbabwe Women Football chairperson Elizabeth Langa has appealed for corporate backing for the Mighty Warriors team that went into camp on Friday ahead of a rescheduled third round Olympic Games’ qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire next weekend.
Speaking on Thursday ahead of the women’s representatives side’s camp the following day, Langa said the public should put aside the Zifa dilemmas and show maximum support for the Mighty Warriors since they also deserve the same kind of backing as has been shown to their male counterparts.
Langa also pointed out that lack of sponsorship had hindered football development in the female side of the field, and as such, lots of talent had either been ignored or gone to waste.
“We urge the corporate world and also well-wishers to look into the girl child and give support in the same manner that has been done for their male counterparts. Mighty Warriors are desperately in need of assistance and their plight needs to be addressed regardless of the Zifa problems.
“With August dedicated as the month for women, we hope that well-wishers will offer a hand. The country has a lot of talented female footballers but without proper sponsorships the talent goes unnoticed,” said Langa.
In July ahead of a national assignment the Mighty Warriors boycotted training sessions over unpaid allowances.
Langa added that players had chosen football as a career and were entitled to allowances for their services.
“Most of these players have made football as their only source of income, and they have showed their dedication whenever duty calls, but for their services they have not been getting anything,” she said.
The Mighty Warriors have a stern test of overturning a 0-3 deficit after the first leg match was forfeited following the team’s failure to travel to Cote d’Ivoire on 19 July.
The country was subsequently fined $10 000 for its failure to fulfill that fixture.
Mighty Warriors coach, Rosemary Mugadza has already named a 24-member squad for the tie.
The winner between the two sides will proceed to the next round qualifiers on a date yet to be named.
Mighty Warriors squad
Chido P Dzingirai, Process Chatsamwa, Deliwe Makaha, Nobuhle Majika, Moleen Murandu, Shiela Makoto, Talent I Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Chido Muhara, Samkelisiwe Zulu, Marjory Nyaumwe, Erina R Jeke, Rutendo Makore, Rudo Neshamba, Mavis Chirandu, Felistus Muzongondi, Rejoice R Kapfumvuti, Eunice Chibanda, Lynette Mutokuto, Berita Kabwe, Viola Ndlovu, Daisy Kaitano, Kudzai Chiparaushe, Tafadzwa Tsunguro.
Online Reporter