Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
The new ZIFA board has hit the ground running after paying a courtesy visit to the senior women football team, the Mighty Warriors, as they prepare for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, accompanied by board member Kudzai Kadzombe, highlighted that during his tenure, player welfare issues will be at the fore front and for the first time, the Mighty Warriors will get camping allowances as they previously used to get match and travelling allowances.
“We saw it prudent to come out here and speak to you directly and to tell you how much we value you as a team. You are no longer going to be treated inferior to the men, you are all representing Zimbabwe and you deserve equal respect. We are going to make sure that you get tour camping allowances from the day you are called into camp,” said Magwizi.
Kadzombe further highlighted the thrust the new ZIFA board is taking.
“Gone are the days of coming to camp and there is nothing. We are going to prepare you better for competitions. You have already reached the highest level (2016 Olympics) and with the right support, we believe you can reach those heights again, so we are here for you,” said Kadzombe
Head coach Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda, who has been in the Mighty Warriors setup for more than 20 years since her days as a player, was elated.
“This is massive, when you hear leaders pledging support like this and also the issue of camping allowances, it motivates the girls to give more than 100%. We just want to be on the field and we have been given two weeks to prepare and we will do our best,” she said.
The Mighty Warriors will take on Angola on the 20th of this month in Luanda, with the return leg set for South Africa a week later.
The winner of the fixture will progress to the second round of the WAFCON qualifiers.
