Story by Lawrence Trusida
THE Mighty Warriors have stepped up preparations for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, set to kick off on the 18th of this month in Polokwane, South Africa.
Zimbabwe’s senior women’s national football team is currently in camp in Harare, undergoing intensive training sessions ahead of the regional showpiece. As the country’s most successful national football side, the Mighty Warriors are aiming to make a strong statement against Southern Africa’s best.
Morale in camp received a boost on Thursday following a visit by Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Emily Jesaya, who expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations.
“We are happy with the preparations. I had time with the girls and with the ZIFA leadership to get a clear picture, and I am pleased that the team is being well catered for. As Government, we are satisfied with the preparations and we wish the team all the best at the tournament,” she said.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President, Nqobile Magwizi, said while the immediate focus is on achieving positive results at COSAFA, the broader vision is to build a competitive side capable of qualifying for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and returning to the Olympic Games.
“We are putting our best foot forward. We enter every tournament seeking a positive result, but long-term, we want to build a team capable of qualifying and competing at WAFCON and returning to the Olympics. The team selected by the technical department reflects that vision. We are establishing a structure that supports women’s football development from grassroots to high-performance level,” he said.
Head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda highlighted the promising blend of youth and experience within the squad, noting that senior players are guiding emerging talent.
“The blend of youth and experience is exciting. Senior players are leading by example and mentoring the younger ones, which points to a bright future. We want a team that can compete strongly. There are some challenges because our league is in the off-season, but we have worked hard on fitness and we are almost ready. The girls are putting in the effort,” she said.
The final travelling squad is expected to be announced this weekend, with the team scheduled to depart for Polokwane on the 17th.
As preparations intensify, the Mighty Warriors are setting their sights beyond the Limpopo River, targeting a second COSAFA Women’s Championship title and reaffirming Zimbabwe’s strength in regional women’s football.
