The Sunday Mail
History beckons for Mighty Warriors
Langton Nyakwenda
THE Mighty Warriors are just 90 minutes away from the Olympics.
Cameroon, ranked second in Africa and 45th on the FIFA World Rankings, and a one goal first leg deficit stands between the Zimbabwe women’s football team and a ticket to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The Mighty Warriors lost 1-2 in the reverse fixture played at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé a fortnight ago and all they need is 1-0 victory at Rufaro.
Kick-off is 2pm and the cheapest ticket is $1. Chief striker Rudo Neshamba, who has two goals to her name in the qualifiers, scored the vital away goal in Cameroon and is relishing the chance to fire her nation to a historic Olympic dance.
“We all want is to go to the Olympics, this is the game of our lives,” she declared.
There was a scare over stylish skipper Felistus Muzongodi who picked a knock on the shin on Thursday but the influential leader is expected to pass a late fitness test.
The bustling Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore, veteran Talent Mandaza and Marjory Nyaumwe are also part of the final 18 women in camp. Unheralded coach Shadreck Mlauzi, who took charge of the first leg on October 3, following the sacking of long-serving gaffer Rosemary Mugadza, is on the verge of making history.
But who is Mlauzi?
Those working with him say he is a very enthusiastic young coach, a physical education teacher at Sikhulile High in Bulawayo and an assistant to Warriors legend Agent “Ajira” Sawu at Southern Region Division One soccer side Ntabazinduna.
The 35-year-old Mlauzi is also a holder of a CAF B Licence and is studying towards a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science. He sounds confident ahead of his biggest assignment.
“We can deliver; we are spurred on by the fact that we kept them at bay for a long period in the reverse fixture.
“We have to attack, because we want that goal but at the same time, we have to be cautious because we do not want to concede. So, we have to strike that balance between attacking and defending.
“The fans are crucial, they should come in their thousands and make the atmosphere frightening for the visitors, at the same time inspiring the girls,” said Mlauzi.
The Mighty Warriors can draw confidence from the fact that they led the “Les Lionnes” for 69 minutes in Yaoundé before a brace from Madeleine Ngono Mani fell them.
In French-based striker Mani the Cameroonians have a dangerous striker capable of breaking the nation’s hearts.
Two teams will represent Africa at the final tournament scheduled for 3-20 August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
South Africa and Equatorial Guinea, who played out a barren draw in Johannesburg in the first leg, battle it out in Malabo for the other slot.
‘Failure not an option’
Ishemunyoro Chingwere
WARRIORS skipper Danny “Deco” Phiri says it will be a disaster if the Warriors fail to reach the 2016 CHAN finals in Rwanda.
Zimbabwe play host to Lesotho in a CHAN final qualifier, first leg, at Barbourfields this afternoon, before travelling to Maseru next weekend for the second leg.
And Deco says they cannot afford to blow it away now.
The Warriors and their coaches warm up before the start of their Friday training session at White City Stadium in Bulawayo. Picture: Eliah Saushoma
The 26-year-old defensive linkman is the only locally-based player who enjoys starter status in coach Kalisto Pasuwa’s full strength squad and his presence today should sway the pendulum in the Warriors’ favour.
Phiri is having a dream season with Premiership log leaders Chicken Inn but the midfielder insists all the joy he is getting from the club front will count for nothing if he does not skipper Zimbabwe to a third CHAN dance.
“The Warriors are the most important team in this country and there is no way we can be popping champagne without the national side succeeding,” he said.
“My club has done very well and I will be the first to admit that I have also played well in our good run. However, my season will turn into a disaster should the Warriors fail to reach the CHAN finals.
“This team has always qualified for the CHAN finals, underlining the quality in our local league, so it can’t be acceptable that we become the group that will fail to reach the finals and condemn our league to the periphery.
“As players, we always play to win but not even a league title or the Soccer Star award will atone for the Warriors’ failure, we desperately need this one,” said Phiri.
Phiri’s talent is not in doubt, the Bantu Rovers graduate has failed to break into foreign leagues despite convincing displays since making his top flight debut back in 2011 at the age of 22.
His situation is akin to that of Method Mwanjali, who struggled for a foreign contract despite his stellar performances in the local league for Hwange and Caps United as well as the Warriors.
The defender eventually moved to mega bucks South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns where he became a household name and made some fortune.
It’s a tale that inspires “Deco”.
“It is every player’s dream to move to a bigger club where one can get remunerated more for the hard work they put in. But if the opportunity has not availed itself like now, there is no option but to live with what is there and make the best of it,” he said.
“I am confident that my time will come just as it did for others and national team games are one of the best platforms where we can showcase our talent to the world.
“The players in camp are aware of that and it is one of the factors that push us to do our best. But obviously the honour of doing the best for our country is the most important thing.”
Probable line up: E Chipezeze, B Moyo, T Hadebe, L Mhlanga, O Mushure, D Phiri, T Kutinyu, M Mudehwe, B Kangwa, K Mutizwa, R Mutuma
