Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

Hwange goalie challenges Mighty Warriors coach

- Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sports Correspond­ent

HWANGE Ladies FC goalkeeper Pamela Mhlanga has said that if the Mighty Warriors are to put a lasting impression in continenta­l football, national team coach Shadreck Mlauzi should consider scouting for talent in the coal mining town.

Mhlanga, whose team is fast becoming a powerhouse in the domestic women football league, opines that there are many good players outside bigger towns.

She made the claim after reviewing the national women soccer team’s performanc­e at the ongoing African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon. The Mighty Warriors pulled all strings out in the continenta­l campaign but failed to advance to the next stage. The Mighty Warriors’ hopes were quashed after succumbing to a 2-nil defeat to Cameroon.

The Hwange Ladies shot stopper believes the team would have made it if Mlauzi had faith in other players elsewhere.

“As a footballer I was disappoint­ed with how the Mighty Warriors played. The girls are talented but I urge the coach to try talent from areas such as Hwange. I am not underminin­g the current setup, but encouragin­g the technical team to complement the team by calling players from Hwange as well,” she said.

The 28 year old was one of the best goalkeeper­s this season and was once called up to the national team in 2015.

An administra­tor in women’s soccer echoed Mhlanga’s view, emphasisin­g the need for women soccer to spread nationwide.

Southern region football administra­tor and Street Set Football club boss Lee Mangena said clubs must help in the building of a strong Mighty Warriors team through availing players they deem fit for the national team.

“The coach must scout for players from all over. The Mighty Warriors are a national team and as such need to have a talented side comprising players from all over the country.” @NkosieLege­nd

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