The Might Warriors host Banyana Banyana in an international friendly tomorrow with revenge foremost in the Zimbabweans minds after they were humiliated 0-4 by the South Africans in their last encounter. (Pictured: Mighty Warriors midfielder Nomsa Moyo with ball at tr
Mighty Warriors assistant coach Johannes Chikaola, who lamented the meager resources at the disposals of his squad but was confident that his charges would still give good account of themselves against their more well-to-do opponents. There is so much talent in Zimbabwe compared to South Africa, what our team has only lacked is exposure. Our opponents on Wednesday (tomorrow) have so much resources and they can travel to New Zealand today if they want to, Chikaola explained.
He added: But that is certainly not to say that we feel inferior to them. We are much more prepared for the match than we were when we travelled to South Africa last time. On our last date we had just trained together for a day and I actually think 4-0 was a better result for it could have been worse. They are prepared to correct the mistakes from last time.
Banyana Banyana head coach, August Makalakalane, will be boasting of a team that has recently finished third at the Caf African Womens Championship, held in Johannesburg.
The South Africans will be banking on their reliable strikers, Russian-based Nompumelelo Nyandeni, Amanda Dlamini and Noko Matlou. Matlou was named 2010 CAF Womens Player of the year while Dlamini scored four goals at the continental tournament that saw the hosts winning bronze, last month. We respect the team (Banyana Banyana) but the players are well prepared to give it their best. It means so much for most of them to beat South Africa and this time the soccer fans can come expecting a better result, Chikaola said.
We have players like Nomsa Moyo and Nokuthula Ndlovu who have been in the team for some time now; it is their experience that will motivate the other players. Though inexperienced, the young talent of Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Danai Bhobho and Patience Mujuru who will be making their international debut is good for the future of the Mighty Warriors, he said.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Onai Chingawo (Aces Youth Academy), Portia Mukucha (New Cyclone).
Defenders: Talent Mandaza (Black Rhinos), Patience Mujuru (Black Rhinos), Sheila Makoto (Aces), Hope Kanyangarara (Flame Lily), Melody Musasa (Flame Lily), Faith Chasi (Mufakose Queens), Danai Bhobho (Cyclone), Lilian Masase (Cyclone), Nokuthula Ndlovu (New Orleans), Ntombizodwa Sibanda (Mutton Queens).
Midfielders: Violet Bepete (Aces), Nomatter Mharakurwa (Cyclone), Tsitsi Mairosi (Cyclone), Majoury Nyaumwe (Mufakose Queens), Lynette Mutokuto (Mufakose Queens), Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri (Mufakose Queens), Judith Lunga (Inline Academy), Nomsa Moyo (New Orleans), Diana Fedha (Mutare United), Brita Kabwe (Mutare United).
Strikers: Samukelisiwe Zulu (Inline Academy), Elina Jeke (Cyclone), Kuda Bhasopo (Black Rhinos).
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News