Zim prepares to host Cosafa Women’s Championships

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda says it’s good to be back in action after a long break as the country braces up to host the COSAFA Women’s Championship in Bulawayo next month. Zimbabwe will be joined by 10 countries from the region — Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Zambia — for the tournament from September 13 to 24. Kenya are coming in as the guest country to make it a 12-team tournament.

And the draw is set for this month, with the tournament organisers expected to determine the actual date shortly.

Seychelles withdrew from the competition last week. The senior women side last had a competitive match last year at the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) held between November and December in Cameroon.

Sibanda said the return of COSAFA, which was last held in 2011, will be a motivation for the players.

“Maybe, basically I would say it’s good that after so many years we are going to participate in the Cosafa tournament and that alone will motivate the players because the last time we played was at the AWCON.”