The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze and Ralston Muchoko
After a two-month injury lay-off, Zimbabwe Mighty Warriors chief striker Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore marked her return to the national team in style last week.
Her solitary 18th minute goal turned out to be the difference as Zimbabwe walked away with a one-goal lead going into today’s second leg of the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Awon) qualifiers against Zambia.
The match kicks off at 3PM.
“I was a little sceptical, since it was my first game after sustaining an ankle injury, and I believe the goal I scored last Wednesday is one of my best goals in my career.
“To be honest, before the match I was not sure of myself, but surprisingly I performed beyond my expectations on that particular day,” said Makore.
The 26-year-old striker tapped in Berita Kabwe’s cross, instilling some belief in the Mighty Warriors’ camp ahead of today’s return leg at Rufaro Stadium.
Despite being confident of qualification, Makore believes Zambia will give them a good run for their money following a tough encounter last Wednesday. “We had a tough encounter, last Wednesday, and the game was highly physical but we managed to win away from home and I do not see anything stopping us from getting another good result on Sunday (today).
“Rufaro is our fortress,” she said.
She believes maximum support for the girl child will play a pivotal role in their qualification.
“As we face Zambia in the final stage of the Africa Women’s Cup qualifiers, the nation should give unwavering support to the girl child, the same way they support the Warriors, because our qualification also brings the nation into the spotlight,” Makore.
Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda echoed her sentiments urging the nation to come in their numbers.
“I am happy with the team’s performance especially after walking away with a win during the tough match in Zambia.
“The match was highly physical but the players withstood the pressure and came out victors, something we need them to do again today.”
Sibanda believes home advantage will play a pivotal role in the quest to seal qualification. “The girls have not had enough support over the years but we are saying the nation needs to take a different approach and come in their numbers.
“We need to give our unwavering support to the girl child, especially today when we are so close to achieving our goals,” she said.
