Mighty Warriors ready to roll

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Mighty Warriors striking trio of Ethel Chinyerere, United States-born Ruvimbo Mucherera and veteran Rutendo “Madzimai” Makore looked lethal during a training session at Prince Edward School on Thursday morning.

Mucherera’s powerful shots caught the eye, while Chinyerere’s precision was a reminder of why the Chapungu Queens striker is one of the hottest players in the women’s game.

She might be 32 now, but Makore has not lost much of the predatory instincts that made her one of the faces of women’s football in Zimbabwe.

Perhaps they were aware some ZIFA board members were watching from the sidelines.

For the second week in a row, members of the new ZIFA executive committee visited the Mighty Warriors training session at Prince Edward.

Vice presidents Kennedy Ndebele and Loveness Mukura, as well as board member Kudzai Kadzombe, were present during Thursday’s session.

So was Women’s Premier League leader Theresa Maguraushe.

They all rallied behind the Mighty Warriors, who take on Angola in an African Cup of Nations first-round, first-leg qualifier at the Estadio Joaquim Dinis in Luanda on Thursday this week.

The return leg is at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria a week later.

The winner will face Malawi in the final qualifying round in October for a place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Malawi have already booked their place in the next round of qualifiers following the withdrawal of Congo.

The Mighty Warriors leave for Luanda tomorrow and will hold training sessions in the Angolan capital on Tuesday and Wednesday, before plunging into the real battle on Thursday.

They are attempting to reach the AFCON finals for the first time since 2016.

Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is confident that can be achieved.

The former star player has the comfort of a massive backing from the new ZIFA board, which has stressed its intention to revive women’s football in the country.

“The board has been very supportive from day one,” said Sibanda.

“They have made sure the girls are well-prepared and I can assure you the morale is very high. The team spirit is good. We had Ruvimbo (Mucherera) here as the only foreign-based player. The other players have welcomed her with both hands.

“I have seen she is really adapting well and that is giving her the drive to perform even better.”

The 28-year-old Mucherera was born in the United States, but is now plying her trade in the Israeli top league.

She is expected to lead the line on Thursday, against an Angolan team that is winless in their last six competitive games. They have conceded a massive 19 goals in that period.

The Palancas Negras also have a poor record in the AFCON, as they last qualified for the showpiece in 2002.

The last time Zimbabwe played Angola, they won 4-1 in a COSAFA Championship match in South Africa on July 31, 2019.

“We have been working well with my technical team; everyone is working in unison,” said Sibanda.

“With the preparations we have had, and the support from every stakeholder, I think there is no reason we cannot bring back good results.”

Sibanda has already announced the final 22-woman squad that will travel to Luanda. There are some familiar names like Daisy Kaitano, Mavis Chirandu, Nobukhosi Ncube, Danai Bhobho and goalkeeper Lindiwe Magwede on that list.

Israel-based midfielder Emmaculate Msipa will connect straight to Luanda.

For the first time in their history, the Mighty Warriors are getting training allowances. They have also been moving around in a decent bus and it looks like exciting times are in the offing for the girls.

ZIFA vice president Mukura reassured the board’s support for the girl child.

“Let us always be at our best in terms of performance,” said the former Herentals Queens player.

“I know and understand that the coaches did great work. We have a very good team that will bring us good results.

“Remember, as you go out there, you are flying the Zimbabwean flag higher,” said Mukura.

Mighty Warriors squad

Goalkeepers: Vanessa Lunga, Precious Mudyiwa, Lindiwe Magwede

Defenders: Egness Tumbare, Sheila Antonio, Purity Mugayi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Alice Moyo, Fortunate Ngocho

Midfielders: Daisy Kaitano, Morelife Nyagumbo, Ennetty Chemhere, Natashe Ndowa, Danai Bhobho, Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu, Shyline Dambamuromo

Strikers: Christabel Katona, Rutendo Makore, Ethel Chinyerere, Yolanda Kanyai, Ruvimbo Mucherera