Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MIGHTY Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is upbeat her team will hold their own when they plunge into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying assignments.
Sibanda believes the Mighty Warriors, seeking to re-emerge as a force on the continent, have the capacity to progress to the next round.
She also reckons that her players have put behind them their pathetic showing at the COSAFA Cup last year in which they failed to reach at least the semi-finals.
The Mighty Warriors are preparing for a potentially fierce two-legged contest against Angola between February 17 and 26.
If they get past the Angola hurdle, Zimbabwe will then face the winner between Malawi and Congo.
With the squad now beefed up by both seasoned players and fresh talent, Sibanda is determined to send the Mighty Warriors to the 2026 AFCON finals in Morocco.
The former Zimbabwe international spoke passionately about the team’s prospects.
“It’s a draw where we need to set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers,’’ Sibanda said.
“We need to win so that we progress to the next stage. We can win against Angola given the team we called.
“We beefed up from the squad that played at the COSAFA Cup tournament where we were terrible in terms of finishing, so we have built a lot in terms of our offense.
“We added some other seasoned attackers, including foreign-based players. We expect an improvement in that department,” said Sibanda.
Sibanda emphasised that the inclusion of players like Ruvimbo Mucherera, who made history by being the only Zimbabwean woman to participate in the UEFA Champions League, was a key step in strengthening the squad. Alongside Mucherera, seasoned international players such as Emmaculate Msipa and Yolanda Kanyai 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.
This squad, which blends youth and experience, could be the key to Zimbabwe’s success.
Teams like Black Rhinos, Chapungu Queens, and Herentals Queens have contributed heavily to the squad, providing a solid foundation of talent.
The prospect of qualifying for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations is within their reach, and for Sibanda, it’s about 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,” said Sibanda.
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)
