The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
MIGHTY WARRIORS coach Shadreck Mlauzi is in no hurry to acquire a driver’s licence and get to enjoy the Toyota Hilux double cab that he recently received from Zifa benefactor Wicknell Chivayo.
For Mlauzi, who is being driven around by long-time friend Qondile Sibanda, getting Zimbabwe to the African Women’s Cup of Nations (AFWCON) finals is a far more pressing task.
The Mighty Warriors host Tanzania in the second leg of the AFWCON first round qualifier at Rufaro this afternoon sitting on a 2-1 away victory.
The match kicks off at 3pm and the cheapest ticket is going for a $1.
Mlauzi wants his girls to get the job done and comfortably go through to the final qualifying round.
“The most important thing is the task I have now, the national assignment. I prioritise the national appointments more than anything else,” said the Mighty Warriors gaffer.
“Driving can be a secondary issue, one can always attain a licence.
“At the moment, it is not that important.
“What is important is to first seal this African Women Championship qualifier then from there, one can settle down into social aspects.”
Chief striker Rudo Neshamba, whose goals powered the Mighty Warriors to a first ever Olympic Games qualification in October last year, has been cleared to play.
The predatory Neshamba was struggling with a knee injury.
Despite carrying a healthy 2-1 away lead, Mlauzi has refused to be flattered, insisting it is still game on.
“We still have a long way to go, we still have another 90 minutes to play and we are up against a good side that is technically gifted.
“But I must say the girls are looking very sharp, save for a few injuries, but I must say we are good to go,” he said.
Defensive midfielder Rejoice Kapfumvuti and Viola Ndlovu have been ruled out by injuries but there are places for seasoned striker Kudakwashe Bhasopo and Greater Bhande in the final 18.
Daisy Kaitano could be slotted into the holding midfield role with veteran Marjory Nyaumwe playing behind the two strikers Neshamba and Erina Jeke.
Jeke scored a brace away in Tanzania.
The Twiga Stars arrived yesterday morning with their coach Nasra Juma convinced her charges can reverse the score and progress to the second round.
“It is true that the odds are heavily stacked against us, but we have what it takes to reverse the score,” she said.
Should the Mighty Warriors sail past Tanzania, as is largely expected, they will most likely face Zambia in the last qualifying round next month.
Zambia carry a 3-1 aggregate going into their second leg against Namibia.
