Zimpapers Logo

Sports Reporter
Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda yesterday named a 30-member provisional squad ahead of the COSAFA Women Championships next month in Bulawayo.

The championships set for Barbourfields and Luveve will run from September 13 to 24, with 12 countries taking part.

And Sibanda’s announcement comes just a few days before the draw for the 12-team tournament takes place next Wednesday at COSAFA House in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sibanda retained most of the players that represented the country last year at the Olympic Games and the Africa Women Cup of Nations, with regular players for the senior side such as Rutendo Makore, Marjory Nyaumwe and Chido Dzingirai headlining the squad.

Talent Mandaza and Kudakwashe Basopo also made the cut, while Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu and Felistas Muzongondi, who were also with the team at the Olympics in Brazil and at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon, are out due to other commitments.

Speaking to ZIFA’s official website, Sibanda said she focused on blending youth with experience.

“The team is a mixture of youth and experience, we are going to prepare the team to compete at the same level with others.

“For those who will be playing for the country for the first time, that alone should be enough motivation for them to do well and hold on to their spots in the team.

“At the end of the day, we are going into the tournament with the hope to compete to the best of our abilities and probably keep the trophy here since we will be playing at home,” Sibanda said.

The team is expected to start preparations on August 21.

ZIFA communications and competitions manager Xolisani Gwesela said the first half of the camp will be in Harare and the players are expected in camp on Sunday at ZIFA Village.

“They are getting into camp on the 20th.

“The first half of the camp will be in Harare and then the last half before the tournament will conclude in Bulawayo,” noted Gwesela.

The tournament will see 11 COSAFA countries — Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe — battling it out together with East African guest nation Kenya for 12 days in Bulawayo.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Chido Dzingirai (Correctional Queens), Pretty Matshazi (New Orleans), Sheba Rauli (Auckland), Manyara Mandara (Mwenezana), Precious Mudyiwa (COSA).

Defenders: Nobuhle Majika (Inline), Sheila Makoto, Edline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows), Nobukhosi Ncube (New Orleans), Lynett Mutokuto, Rufaro Machingura (All Black Rhinos), Danai Bhobho (Harare City), Fortunate Nyoka (Zvishavane).

Midfielders: Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional Queens), Rejoice Kapfumvuti (Inline), Vimbai Mharadzi (Blue Swallows), Daisy Kaitano, Eunice Chibanda, Talent Mandaza (All Black Rhinos), Greater Bande (Cyclone), Miranda Ncube (Mwenezana), Rutendo Madongorere (ZRP Queens),

Strikers: Rutendo Makore, Kudakwashe Basopo (Black Rhinos), Priviledge Mupeti (MSU), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Ethel Chinyerere (Blue Swallows), Susan Nyama (Herentals), Concilia Madotsa (Faith drive), Colleta Jesinawo (Cyclone).