Zim community in SA rally behind Mighty Warriors
THE Mighty Warriors have everything to fight for as they chase bronze in the Women’s COSAFA Championship thirdplace play-off against Mozambique at Lucas Moripe Stadium in South Africa this afternoon.
The match kicks off at 12pm. Zimbabwe have had a fairytale run in the tournament on their return to international football.
They, however, faltered against defending champions Zambia at the semi-final hurdle on Friday by losing one-nil.
But they can still grab a medal if they beat Mozambique today.
Mozambique lost to Malawi in the other semi-final, which was played at the same venue on Friday.
Malawi and Zambia meet in the final after the Zimbabwe and Mozambique tie.
Although the Mighty Warriors camp appears to have been affected by allegations of misconduct involving coach Shadreck Mlauzi and a female member of the technical team, the Zimbabwean community in South Africa are pulling all the stops to ensure the girls finish strong in the tournament.
Mlauzi sat in the stands on Friday and did not attend post-match interviews as he felt his name was being dragged through the mud due to the damaging allegations.
But the simmering tension in the camp has not stopped Zimbabweans in South Africa from backing the Mighty Warriors.
The team will be hosted by the Embassy and Zororo-Phumulani at a hotel in Sandton after today’s match.
Zororo-Phumulani has brought some goodies for the girls as well.
The company’s customer experience manager Fungai Moyo, chief marketing executive Tendai Mangoti and call centre manager Nozipo Zakeyo have been religiously attending the Mighty Warriors matches from the group stages.
They have also been accompanied by legends of the game, including arguably the greatest Warrior of all time Peter Ndlovu, Edelbert Dinha and Innocent Chikoya.
And Ndlovu yesterday saluted the Mighty Warriors for their gallantry.
“It’s not easy being in isolation for close to two years and coming back at a tournament to dish a memorable show like the way they have done.
“No one expected the girls to punch so hard in this tournament,”said Ndlovu.
“It has been a show of brilliance and determination on their part, and we are very proud of them. They have a very good chance of clinching bronze in this tournament.
“But for players who spent almost two years without playing international football to have done so well in a tournament, where other teams have always been competing in, is very commendable.”
One fan, Wilbert Chakara, who travelled from Bloemfontein to cheer the girls and is staying in Pretoria on a Zororo-Phumulani ticket, said the future looks bright.
“We came to support the girls, and they have done really well so far.
“They just have to remain focused on the job at hand and clinch third place. That will be outstanding,” said Chikara.
“These girls have really done us proud. They have shown us that we have somewhere to start from. The future really looks very bright.”
The technical team has already hinted that they will be making some changes to give all players a chance to play.
About five players are yet to take part in any of the four matches the team played so far.
Goalkeepers Lindiwe Magwede and Chido Dzingirai, Nokukhanya “Chicken” Ndlovu and Nobuhle Ndlovu are all likely to have a feel of the game in today’s match. Captain Rudo Neshamba, who has had a disappointing campaign, could be replaced in attack by the pacey Maudy Mafuruse in the starting line-up.
Assistant coach Yohane Chikaola revealed there will be changes in the team.
“We will retain the spine of the team but there will be changes so that others can also get to feel the vibe,”said Chikaola. The aim is now to finish strongly as a team. We would have wanted to win gold but we failed. That means we should now fight for bronze and go home with something in our hands.”