The Sunday Mail
GIVE her boxing gloves and she will floor opponents with powerful punches and combinations.
Meet Patience “Stara” Masitara, the superwoman who is a former boxing champion and Mighty Warriors player.Hand her football boots and she will do the business on either flank, as a full back or an out and out winger.
In a month that the world celebrates the amazing roles played by women, the multi-talented Masitara returned to the Mighty Warriors fold ahead of next month’s African Women Nations Cup first round qualifier against Namibia.
The first leg will be played at the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek on April 5, with the return fixture set for Rufaro three days later.
If Zimbabwe progress past Namibia, they will face either Tanzania or Zambia in the final qualifying round.
The Mighty Warriors are seeking a fifth appearance at the Africa Women Cup of Nations having previously qualified for the 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2016 editions.
And Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda reckons the 28-year-old Masitara, who had a stellar season at wing back for Correctional Queens last year, has a massive role to play in that quest.
She is one of the nine defenders called up by coach Sibanda who has blended youth and experience in a bid to reach the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations finals set for Ghana in November.
Vice-captain Nobuhle Majika, Sheila Makoto and Lynette Mutokuto are some of the usual faces in the Mighty Warriors backline.
Sibanda said it was difficult to ignore Masitara given the hard shift she put in at Correctional Queens last season.
“Masitara will definitely improve competition in the squad. She did well for Correctional Queens last season and to me it’s about current form and not the name that matters,” said the Mighty Warriors gaffer.
Masitara is the last recognised female featherweight champion of Zimbabwe and in July she will fight for a bantamweight title in South Africa.
She wants to cap it all by qualifying for the Nations Cup finals with the Mighty Warriors.
“My aim is to have a continental boxing belt and a Nations Cup medal by the end of the year,” said Masitara.
“I am very honoured to have a chance of representing Zimbabwe in both boxing and football.
“My aim is to excel in both sports and become a role model for young girls out there.”
Mighty Warriors squad.
Goalkeepers
Chido Dzingirai (Correctional Queens), Manyara Mandara (Mwenezana Queens), Precious Mudyiwa (COSA), Shebba Rauli (Auckland Queens)
Defenders
Nobuhle Majika (Inline Academy), Nobukhosi Ncube (New Orleans), Fortunate Nyoka (Zvishavane Pirates), Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows Queens), Edline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows Queens), Patience Masitara (Correctional), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos Queens), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams Queens), Amanda Five (Harare City Queens)
Midfielders
Talent Mandaza (Black Rhinos Queens), Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Emmaculate Msipa (Black Rhinos Queens), Mavis Chirandu (Black Rhinos Queens), Rumbidzai Zhoya (Auckland Queens), Peacemore Kenende (Inline Academy), Miranda Ncube (Mwenezana Queens) Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos Queens), Vimbai Mharadzi (Blue Swallows),
Strikers
Maud Mafuruse (Faith Drive Queens), Susan Nyama (Herentals Queens), Erina Jeke (Correctional Queens), Tafadzwa Tsunguro (ZRP Queens), Berita Kabwe (Correctional Queens), Leona Musikavanhu (Cyclone Stars) Rutendo Makore (Sporting Club Huelva) Priviledge Mupeti (M.S.U Queens)
