Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Mighty Warriors left Malawi without the gold they wanted but they carried something just as important.
Coach Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda flew home convinced her project is moving in the right direction.
Zimbabwe beat Malawi 2-1 in their opener in Lilongwe, then slipped to a 3-1 to Zambia in a match where a draw would have secured the title. They finished on three points, ahead of the hosts, while Zambia claimed the top prize.
It was Zimbabwe’s first run on the international stage in nine months and the outing offered long overdue game time for a new group still finding their feet. Sibanda took the trip as a chance to measure her rebuilding project in a real contest, a welcome shift after months without competitive action.
“When we came into the tournament, for us it was good because we were to get some exposure after a very long time,” she said.
“For months we had not been active, let alone get friendly games so for us and our fans back at home we now realise how much exposure is important especially in our rebuilding.”
Her squad was built around young, locally-based players, many with fewer than five caps, and the early signs encouraged her.
Patience, commitment and financial backing, she believes, can turn this group into something strong.
Although the Zambia match ended in frustration, she found reassurance in the response.
“Although in the initial stages of our second game we were jittery, resulting in us conceding two early goals owing to defensive lapses, our rebound was reassuring,” she said.
From that setback she stressed the need for unity and cohesion, the foundation of any side that wants consistent results. She also pointed to the chances created after going two goals down, a moment she felt revealed her players’ resolve.
Mental strength, she said, is central in international football. She admitted the team must sharpen its finishing, which cost them a possible equaliser.
“Generally I am impressed with the ladies’ performance especially when we look at where we are coming from and how much exposure our opponents get. Zambia gave us a good run, they showed cohesion as a team which I believe they have earned over a period of playing together. This is something that I believe we need to learn from,” she said.
Sibanda still walked away convinced of the group’s potential and the urgent need for more competition to speed up their growth.
