Mighty Warriors take on their saviours

THE Mighty Warriors turn their arrows against the very team that kept them in the COSAFA Women’s Championship when they take on Kenya in a semi-final showdown at Barbourfields this afternoon.

The Zimbabweans are fighting to lift the trophy for the second time after having triumphed, for the first time in 2011, when they beat South Africa at Rufaro.

The Mighty Warriors advanced to the semi-finals as the best-placed runners-up from the three groups after they finished second behind Zambia in Group A.

Ironically, it was Kenya who aided their cause when they beat Swaziland 1-0 on Monday.

It’s likely to be an interesting tie with the hosts seeking to prove their credentials on home soil while Kenya, who were the only country to get three straight wins in the group stages after beating Swaziland, Mozambique and Mauritius in Group B, have a spring in their step.

Zimbabwe’s captain Talent Mandaza (pictured) said they know what to expect today.

“For the semi-final I think we have to be sharp and utilise our chances because in the game against Zambia, and even Malawi, we got chances but could not utilise them.

“I think we have to improve our defence. We have seen Kenya playing Mozambique and Swaziland. They are a bit slow compared to the other teams we have played and they are not as physical as Zambia and Malawi.

“But, as I have said, we need to make use of our chances.

“They are a strong side, however, I think we have our chances. We have played strong teams than them before. It’s a must win game but we are not putting ourselves under pressure,” Mandaza said.

Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is optimistic her charges will sail through.

“Psychologically I think they are motivated to be in the semi-finals and YADAH STARS became the first club to hand Castle Lager Premiership leaders Chicken Inn a defeat in 11 games when they posted a shock 2-1 win in the City of Kings two weeks ago.

A tactical master-class, in which their technical adviser Prophet Walter Magaya gambled on converting regular left-back Morris Musiyakuvi into a lone striker, insisting his pace could tear the ageing Gamecocks defence, paid off handsomely for the Harare side.

Musiyakuvi, probably the fastest player in the domestic Premiership today, responded to the challenge of playing as a striker and scored the winning goal at Hartsfield.

Given Chicken Inn had gone for 11 it gives us an edge, we did not get it easily.

“Obviously, we played three games in the tournament, we had our shortcomings, we had our positives. So it’s a matter of even working harder and try to rectify the mistakes we did in the group stages.

“Going into a match situation, it’s more of the mental side,” said Sibanda.

The match kicks-off at 4pm after the game between Zambia and South Africa set for 1pm.

The third and fourth place play-off tie is on Saturday at Barbourfields and the final will be played on Sunday at the same venue.

Today Fixture

Zambia vs South Africa (1pm), Kenya vs Zimbabwe (4pm) – both matches at Barbourfields.