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A HELPING HAND . . . Prophet Walter Magaya (standing) speaks to Zimbabwe Women’s Football board member competition Cecilia Gambe during the team’s visit at PHD Ministries on Wednesday

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE Mighty Warriors are expected to leave for Zambia today for their Olympic Games qualifier first leg encounter at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka on Sunday after Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries once again came to their rescue.

Zimbabwe’s trip had been hanging in the balance as ZIFA were struggling to raise money to cater for the team.

The Mighty Warriors had less than a week to prepare for Sunday’s game as financial problems continue to haunt ZIFA.

And, on Wednesday, Zimbabwe Women’s Football board member competition, Cecilia Gambe, approached Magaya seeking another bailout from the prophet, who has a passion for football, for the team’s trip.

Yesterday, Gambe and his team were at Magaya’s church premises, in the company of ZIFA chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze, who received some funds for the trip.

“Our going there was for a blessing matter. We failed to qualify for the African Games so we need God’s intervention to win the Zambian game so that we can lure back stakeholders, sponsors and supporters,” said Gambe.

“It wasn’t an issue of getting funds. We are saying we need God’s guidance but the prophet said he is going to give us something.”

Gambe said the team was expected to leave today for Zambia but could not give more details about the travel arrangements. “The national team is ZIFA’s responsibility and I heard they are leaving tomorrow (today) but I don’t know what time,” Gambe said.

While the team’s preparations have been poor, as financial problems continue to haunt the football motherbody, it was business as usual for the technical team and players as they went through their paces yesterday at Rufaro.

The team trained under the guidance of coach Rosemary Mugadza, who was assisted by Yohannes Chikaola.

Chikaola is coming in for assistant coach Mebelo Njekwa, who was held up by work commitments and cannot make it for the Zambia tie.

“These girls have been there for a long time they know the battles. The only thing we need to do is to motivate them and just to psyche them. “They are seasoned players, they know what is needed at the highest level and there is no problem about that.

“The team is not bad; they are in good shape, it’s only that we need to perfect our fitness level so that we can match the Zambians. They thrive on speed, so we have to up our game,” said Chikaola.

Chikaola said they were going to Zambia looking for a win having lost to Zambia last year in the African Women Championships qualifiers.

“Every coach looks for a win when they go for an away match, that’s what we are looking for, nothing short.

“These guys they want revenge and remember they (Zambia) knocked us out of the African Women Championships, so this game is for revenge,” said Chikaola.

Yesterday, 15-year-old Maud Mafurutsa of Faith Drive, joined the rest of the team to replace injured Rumbidzai Zhoya of Auckland.

The coaches rested striker Rudo Neshamba, who suffered a head injury during Wednesday’s training session.

Provisional Squad

Chido Dzingirai, Deliwe Makaha, Process Chatsamwa, Patience Mujuru, Nobuhle Majika, Shiela Makoto, Melody Musasa, Moleen Murandu, Fortunate Kandarira, Emmaculate Msipa, Talent Mandaza, Felistas Muzongondi, Marjory Nyaumwe, Rejoyce Kapfumvuti, Samukeliso Zulu, Mavis Chirandu, Chido Muhara, Erina Jeke, Rudo Neshamba, Tafadzwa Tsunguro, Berita Kabwe, Maud Mafurutsa, Realise Maphosa, Violet Bepete, Bokani Sibanda.