daniel chigunwe
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
AHEAD of Zimbabwe’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 qualifiers, Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda is confident in her team’s strength to compete very well.
The team had a poor show at the COSAFA Cup last year.
They are now preparing for a battle against Angola between February 17 and 26.
“We can win against Angola given the team we called. We beefed up 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 offence.
“We added other seasoned attackers, including foreign-based players.
“We expect an improvement in that department,” said Sibanda.
She said 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.
Seasoned international players like 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.
“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 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)
