Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors have not yet qualified for the African Women Cup of Nations finals as they still have have to play one more round of qualifiers, according to a letter sent to Zifa by Caf.
In the letter seen by Chronicle Sport, the continental football governing body indicated that there is a third qualifying round, which is set to be played over the weekend of June 3-5, with the second and final leg being held two weeks later.
Zimbabwe booted Zambia out on a 4-2 aggregate win and the whole nation celebrated thinking the girls had booked a place in the finals set for Yaoundé, Cameroon in November.
Even Sport and Recreation Minister Makhosini Hlongwane had issued a congratulatory message to the Mighty Warriors and was last night expected to hold a dinner for the team upon their arrival from Zambia.
“As Zifa, we were of the firm belief that there were two qualifying rounds and we still believe our Mighty Warriors have booked their place at the African Women Cup of Nations,” said Zifa communications manager Xolisani Gwesela yesterday.
“But in view of the communication we received from Caf indicating that there would be another round of qualifiers, we’ve been forced to be cautious in our celebrations while engaging Caf for clarity. We, however, remain very proud of coach Shadreck Mlauzi and his team for their feat and we once again say congratulations to them,” he said.