Otlhagile salutes Mighty Warriors

THE Mighty Warriors’ impressive breakthrough as a powerhouse in women’s football has enthused Botswana women’s football star Bonang Otlhagile, who believes Zimbabwe have some of the best players on the continent.

Otlhagile, who plays for Botswana top side Double Action, said this following news that her team had been invited to take part in this year’s edition of the LM Auctioneers tournament to be held in Bulawayo from December 10-11. The LM Auctioneers Cup returns to Bulawayo after a two-year absence.

She said what excites her is that she will be able to rub shoulders with Mighty Warriors’ players that took part in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

“I salute Zimbabwe soccer, in particular the Mighty Warriors. They are a talented and organised team.

“I am more than delighted that my team Double Action will be part of LM Auctioneers Cup again because this is what we have been waiting for. It gives us the opportunity to meet some of the best players in Africa, who took part in the Olympics in Brazil,” said Otlhagile.

“There is a lot that we can learn from the Mighty Warriors’ experience and other players that will be at the LM Auctioneers tournament. African women’s football can draw inspiration from what the Mighty Warriors have achieved. This gives an assurance that women’s football in Africa is going places.”

Otlhagile once turned out for Bulawayo’s Inline Academy.

“I highly commend Lewis Muzhara and other sponsors who have given financial assistance to women’s football in Africa. Support is very much needed if we are aiming to reach international stardom in women’s football.”

The coveted LM Auctioneers Cup, a brainchild of women’s soccer enthusiast Muzhara, is the only piece of silverware in Zimbabwe that pits the country’s best women football teams against invited teams from southern Africa.

Local teams that will participate in the tournament include Inline Academy, New Orleans, Hearts of Oak, Hwange, Flame Lily, Street Set, Black Rhinos and Mufakose Queens.