Zimpapers Logo

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

HERENTALS Queens are in their final preparatory lap and they have galvanised for the CAF Women’s Champions League, COSAFA zonal qualifiers. 

The eliminators, which the Students will be taking part in for the first time are scheduled to take place in Blantyre, Malawi between August 15-24. 

They have not tinkered much with the team that managed to defend the league title last term, but they have sought to add some experience at the back with the acquisition of Agness Tumbare. 

The latter, a veteran of the game having played for the Mighty Warriors for years is joining from Correctional Queens. 

She will line up in a defence that recently suffered a huge blow after captain Tabeth Mutinhiri picked a nasty injury that is sure to keep her out of the game for a long time.

The talented defender was just getting into the groove after coming back from another long injury lay-off when she twisted her ankle at training. 

The champions are hoping to plug the gap created by Mutinhiri while at the same time adding much-needed experience to the side. 

Herentals Queen’s coach Simba Dedza said Tumbare has already shown that she is an ideal candidate for the upcoming international assignment. 

“As Herentals Queens, we decided to keep the squad from last season intact. 

“We managed to do that and that is one thing I love the most,” Dedza said. 

“After doing so well last season, obviously some of our guys got tempted but we are happy we managed to retain all of them. 

“With Tabeth (Mutinhiri) out injured though, we decided to look elsewhere to get a replacement. So, we settled for Agness (Tumbare). 

“She is very solid and intelligent. Her reading of the match and ability to command the area will leave us in a good space.

“We know that the CAF Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers will not be a walk in the park. 

“We are expecting a tough challenge but we will go to Malawi to compete.” 

Herentals are in Group A alongside Namibian side FC Ongos, Zambia giants Green Buffaloes, and the University of Western Cape from South Africa. 

Only winners of the tournament progress to the CAF Champions League final tournament to be held later this year. 

They will join South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who do not need to qualify after winning the continental crown last season.

Herentals Queens set the tonic for their campaign in Malawi with a 6-0 hammering of Hope Academy in a league match at the National Sports Stadium B-Arena yesterday.

They jumped into second place on the log after taking their tally to 37 points, leaping over Chapungu Queens, who were restricted to a goalless draw by visiting FC Platinum Royals at Manyame. 

Leaders Black Rhinos are two points ahead on 39 points after they managed a 3-1 victory over Highlanders. 

The Students’ Match-day 15 match against Platinun Royals which was supposed to be played on Saturday in Zvishavane has been shelved as they have been given time to put together their Champions League logistics.

 Women’s Soccer League Week 14 Results:

Herentals Queens 6-0 Hope Academy; Sheasham Queens 2-0 Mutare City Queens; MSU 0-10 Correctional Queens; Chapungu Queens FC 0 -0 Platinum Royals; Highlanders 1-3 Black Rhinos; Conduit 1-2 Faith Drive; Black Mambas v ZRP Harare (Played late)

Today: Harare City v Maningi (Motor Action 11am)