shloboe boe
Innocent Kurira, innocent.kurira@chronicle.co.zw
AS the Mighty Warriors prepare to face Angola in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2026 qualifiers, head coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is optimistic about her team’s chances.
The two-legged contest between February 17 and 26, will determine whether Zimbabwe progresses to the next round, where they will face the winner of the Malawi-Congo tie.
Sibanda is determined to put the team’s disappointing performance in last year’s Cosafa Cup behind them.
“It’s a draw where we need to set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers. We need to win so that we progress to the next stage. We can win against Angola given the team we called up,” she said.
“We beefed up the squad which played at the Cosafa Cup tournament where we were terrible in terms of finishing. We have built a lot in terms of our offence. We added some other seasoned attackers, including foreign-based players. We expect an improvement in that department.”
Sibanda highlighted the inclusion of players like Ruvimbo Mucherera, who made history by participating in the Uefa Champions League, as a key factor in strengthening the squad. Emmaculate Msipa and Yolanda Kanyai also add depth and experience to the team.
“We have built a lot in terms of our offence. As long as we train hard and implement our game plan, I am confident we will win. It’s all about getting that understanding in the team, but I’m sure the players are hungry to play,” said Sibanda.
The squad’s blend of youth and experience, with contributions from teams like Black Rhinos, Chapungu Queens, and Herentals Queens, could be the key to the Mighty Warriors’ success.
Sibanda stressed the importance of instilling the right mentality in her players.
“I have complete faith in the players we have selected. We have the ability to compete at the highest level, and I believe the team will rise to the occasion. We have been working tirelessly to perfect our strategies, and I am confident that, with the right focus, we can achieve our goal of qualifying for Afcon 2026. The road ahead will be tough, but I know we are up for the challenge,” Sibanda said.
Mighty Warriors provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Vanessa Lunga (Chapungu Queens), Lindiwe Magwede (Herentals Queens), Precious Mudyiwa (Black Rhinos Queens), Sasha Machona (Maningi YSA)
Defenders: Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (FC Platinum Royals), Fortunate Ngocho (Black Mambas Queens), Purity Mugayi (Black Rhinos Queens)
Midfielders: Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Emmaculate Msipa (Ramat Hasharon WFC, Israel), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Danai Bhobho (Young Africans, Tanzania), Mavis Chirandu (Black Rhinos Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens), Ennert Chemhere (FC Platinum Royals), Morelife Nyagumbo (Faithdrive Academy), Nadia Semba (Correctional Queens), Natasha Ndowa (Chapungu Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Highlanders Royals).
Forwards: Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens FC), Yolanda Kanyai (Darwin Olympic Sporting Club, Australia), Ruvimbo Mucherera (Maccabi Hadera WFC, Israel), Maud Mafuruse (Herentals Queens), Mitchel John (Harare City Queens), Anita Ncube (Faithdrive Academy). — @innocentskizoe.
