The Sunday Mail
THE Mighty Warriors finally got down to some serious business yesterday with coach Shadreck Mlauzi expressing worry about fitness levels, less than a fortnight before the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Having trooped into camp on Friday, the women’s national team held its first training session at their Zesa Training Centre base with 21 of the 26 players called up. The Mwenezana duo of Lisa Mpofu and Manyara Mandara together with defender Sheila Makoto, Maud Mafuruse and Mavis Chirandu, were expected to join camp late yesterday.
While relieved at finally being able to get some work done, Mlauzi noted that his players will need to put in some hard yards in order to improve their fitness levels.
“It’s the first training we have had and of note is the fact that the players are very flat,” said the Mighty Warriors gaffer.
“The fitness levels have completely dropped from where they were the last time we met. Maybe it’s a sign that the training methods at our clubs are not at a level we expect. But I know with time they will improve and will be ready to compete by the time the tournament starts.”
Zimbabwe are in Pool A together with hosts Cameroon, neighbours South Africa and North Africans Egypt. Mlauzi intends to make the best of the time between now and November 19 when the tournament starts.
“You don’t need rocket science to confirm that the time we have is inadequate but the most important thing now is to thank Zifa that finally we are in camp and focus on the positives,” said Mlauzi.
“We can’t continue mourning over things we can’t change, what remains now is to make good use of the time we have been afforded and go out there and make the nation proud.”
Skipper Felistas Muzongondi (pictured) appreciates that the Mighty Warriors have to produce results at the end of the day.
“We have complained over and over again that the preparations are not as per our expectation but now that camp has commenced, I think the challenge is on us to focus and make the most of the time we have,” said Muzongodi.
Mlauzi’s charges will get an opportunity to measure their progress in a friendly international against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana at Barbourfields on November 10.
