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Lovemore Dube, [email protected]

LEE Mangena the director of Streetset, a women’s soccer club based in Bulawayo, says seeing one of his products called up to the Mighty Warriors for the Cosafa Championships is motivating.

He said in a sport with no rewards, a national team call-up is as good a reward for one’s toil and sweat.

Lauryn Mupasi now with FC Platinum Royals is among eight defenders called up by coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda on Friday.

FC Platinum Royals coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda with FC Platinum general manager Denzil Mnkandla

“This is what we work for, this is what motivates us, if there are no financial rewards at least we see our sweat shining,” said Mangena in an interview yesterday.

Mangena said the call-up has excited him as he is seeing results of his labour.

“I am super thrilled, these are the results of my sweat. I used to take her to the bus late at night when she first got called up for junior national teams,” said Mangena.

FC Platinum Royals

Mupasi has played for the Under-17s and 20s.

Mangena, a journalist turned club owner, described Mupasi as a disciplined player.

“She was well disciplined and always listened to advice. I willingly released her to Bulawayo Chiefs. I then facilitated her move to FC Platinum Royals. I am still her manager,” said Mangena.

Sibanda called up two players from outside the country, Cynthia Shonga of Richmond Ladies and her teammate Peacemore Kenende, a midfielder.

Mighty Warriors
Goalkeepers: Cynthia Shonga (Richmond Ladies, SA), Vanessa Lunga (Chapungu Queens), Precious Mudyiwa (Black Rhinos Queens), Mirriam Ali (Harare Queens)
Defenders: Agness Tumbare (Herentals Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Purity Mugayi (Black Rhinos Queens), Lauryn Mupasi (FC Platinum Royals), Fortunate Ngocho (Black Mambas Queens)
Midfielders: Talent Chimbadzo (Sheasham Queens), Morelife Nyagumbo (Faith Drive Academy), Ennert Chemhere (FC Platinum Royals), Daisy Kaitano ( Black Rhinos Queens), Peacemore Kenende (Richmond Ladies, SA), Natasha Ndowa (Chapungu Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Nadia Semba (Coerrectional Queens), Edeline Mutumbami (Chapungu Queens), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Maningi Youth Soccer Academy), Patience Ndlovu (Highlanders Royals)
Forwards: Mitchel John (Harare City Queens), Kudakwashe Basopo (Black Mambas), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens), Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens), Maud Mafuruse (Herentals Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens)