Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
THE Mighty Warriors finally left the country yesterday for their 2016 Olympic Games qualifier first leg soccer encounter against Cameroon today at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde. The senior national women side’s trip had been in doubt as Zifa struggled to raise resources for the trip until the intervention of the Minister of Sport and Recreation, Makhosini Hlongwane, who mobilised funds for the team on Thursday.
The Mighty Warriors were scheduled leave on Thursday but Zifa failed to raise funds for the trip despite that they committed to Fifa to fulfilling this tie after Cote d’Ivoire withdrew in August, leading to the senior women’s side progressing to the last round of the qualifiers.
The return leg will be in two weeks time with the winners qualifying for next year’s Olympic Games. The Mighty Warriors had less than a week of training after they trooped into camp last Sunday under the guidance of a new technical team led by Shadreck Mlauzi and assisted by former Mighty Warriors player Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda and Johannes Chikaola.
Peter Masibera is in charge of the goalkeepers. Hopes are high that the Mighty Warriors will write their own piece of history by qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time, despite that their preparations were hampered by lack of resources. Despite all the challenges, the Mighty Warriors are keeping their heads up with captain Felistas Muzongondi saying they are ready for the tie.
“We have been in camp all week where we have been working very hard. The coaches have taught us tactics that we will apply to attain best results during the game,” said Muzongondi. Seasoned Mighty Warriors midfielder Marjory Nyaumwe believes they have what it takes to upset their West African opponents when the two teams face-off this afternoon.
Nyaumwe said they are confident they will win the game. Coach Mlauzi said this should be the dawn of new era in women’s football.
Team
C Dzingirai, L Magwede, S Makoto, L Mutokuto, N Majika, E Msipa, R Kapfumvuti, R Neshamba, E Jeke, M Nyaumwe, F Muzongondi, E Chibanda, S Moyo, A Bhamu, C Muhara, F Chasi, R Makore, V Ndlovu.