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READY TO RUMBLE . . . The Mighty Warriors pose for a group photo at ZIFA Village just before their departure for Zambia yesterday

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
MIGHTY Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza is upbeat of their chances of getting a positive result when they meet Zambia in the first leg of their Olympic Games qualifier at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.

The senior women national team left for Zambia by road yesterday, after ZIFA board member Ben Gwarada donated a bus and fuel, and will only have a day to rest before they battle it out against Zambia.

The Mighty Warriors were also bailed out by Prophet Walter Magaya after a last-minute appeal to the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries leader.

The Zambia Football Association wrote to their Zimbabwe counterparts that the Mighty Warriors have to take care of their entire stay across the Zambezi.

The Zambians say they will do the same here. This is because the Zambians are concerned with ZIFA’s financial plight and that their team will be stranded when it comes here.

Despite having to do last-minute preparations due to financial problems Mugadza has faith her charges will deliver.

“I think for the few days that we have trained the girls are showing that they are willing to work and we just hope that they continue with the spirit that they were showing during our training sessions.

“We are hoping that they will carry on working hard and we hope we can get a good result in Zambia. It’s very possible if they are in the right state of mind,” said Mugadza.

Mugadza said they had to wisely utilise the limited time they had in camp.

“Basically, when we were told that we were going to camp last week on Friday I had done my programme that, at least, we leave late Friday (yesterday) for us to have ample time to work with the girls than to go early in Zambia.

“We would not have had the proper training sessions that we had here in Zimbabwe,” added Mugadza.

Mugadza also roped in the services of Black Rhinos goalkeeper Process Chatsamwa, dropping Deliwe Makaha as she seeks to strengthen her backline.

“Process has got the experience, she has been playing for some time now, so we opted for experience and the depth we wanted for the team.

“Deliwe is still young while Process has played more games, she played along Patience Mujuru,” said Mugadza.

Chatsamwa, who is making her debut appearance for the Mighty Warriors, said it’s an honour to be part of the team.

“I feel honoured because this was my wish to play for the national team, that’s why I kept on playing football.

“This is my first time to actually make it into the final team. I was called before but I was young and was not confident. But now I have the confidence and I am no longer afraid of such games as this one because I believe football at club level and national level is the same,” said Chatsamwa.

Mugadza was also relieved as striker Rudo Neshamba recovered in time for the trip after suffering a head injury during training on Wednesday.

Neshamba said they have a tough assignment ahead of them and warned her teammates against com- placency.

“We are ready although we had few days of training. We are going to give it all our best. It’s a tough encounter, there is definitely no room for complacency.

“Zambia have been playing friendly matches but we will try all we can to make sure we win,” said Neshamba.

Team

Chido Dzingirai, Process Chatsamwa, Patience Mujuru, Sheila Makoto, Moleen Murandu, Lynette Matukutu, Nobuhle Majika, Talent Mandaza, Emmaculate Msipa, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Berita Kabwe, Samukeliswe Zulu, Mavis Chirandu, Felistas Muzongondi, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Erina Jeke, Rudo Neshamba, Tafadzwa Tsunguro.