Mighty Warriors bring cheer to Zimbabwean football fans
Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE Mighty Warriors are determined to leave a lasting legacy at this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship and are now in the semi-finals where they will tackle northern neighbors Zambia at Lucas Moripe Stadium this Friday.
Zimbabwean football has a common phrase, ‘Nyika yese iri kufara’ meaning the whole country is happy and that’s exactly what the Mighty Warriors have brought to the nation.
On their return to international football when all and sundry least expected them to go far, the senior women’s football team has gone beyond expectations.
The team resembles a determined unit, for the first time in a long time, while ZIFA showed them some respect by honouring its welfare obligations.
Zimbabwe started the tournament by edging Lesotho one-nil before beating Namibia two-nil and went on to draw their final group match against Botswana to progress to the semi-finals where they meet defending champions, Zambia.
However, the players are not reading much into history as they aim to continue with their fairy tale at the championships being hosted by South Africa.
Utility player Alice Moyo, who will be coming up against familiar opposition after spending some time with Green Bufalloes of Zambia, is hungry for success.
“Titone nzara ye International Football, vakawanda who didn’t give us a chance or to believe in us asi as a team we are determined to bring the trophy home for the nation,” she said.
Attacking midfielder, Ennety Chemhere, who scored the goal that took Zimbabwe to the last four in her first start echoed her teammate’s sentiments.
“We just want to win against Zambia and go to the final, we have a very good team and it’s time for us to show it,” she said.
Head coach Shadreck Mlauzi is proud of his team’s efforts.
“The days of the golden generation are long gone we are trying to build a team that can compete, but I can say the girls have made my job easier, I am really proud of them, they have really worked hard and I am really happy for them and the nation,” he said.
Defending champions, Zambia booked their semi-final ticket after finishing group B as winners with seven points, while Zimbabwe were winners of group C with the same number of points.
The match will be played at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria and kicks off at midday.
Malawi, who won group A, while Mozambique who were the best-placed runner clash in the other semi-final at 3:30pm at the same venue.