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Seasoned Mighty Warriors striker Rutendo Makore is hopeful that the Zimbabwe senior women’s football team will perform well in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.

The first leg is set to take place in Angola on February 20, with the return fixture scheduled for Pretoria, South Africa, six days later.

Makore, who just two seasons ago had ruled herself out of the game due to injury, is confident that they will do well, considering they have a strong squad comprising both youth and experience.

Makore, also known in football circles as “Madzimai”, believes they have what it takes to beat Angola over the two-legged qualifier, especially with the support of a strong technical team.

“I think we are ready for the challenge, and we are looking forward to the games against Angola. We are very happy in camp. There are a lot of experienced players who are capable of doing the job, and I am happy to be one of the senior players. Playing away is always tricky, but we will not focus too much on that.

“We need to perform well on their turf so that it will be easier for us when we meet them in South Africa for the return fixture,” she said.

Mighty Warriors prepare for Africa Cup of nations qualifier against Angola

Makore, who made a remarkable comeback after a career-threatening knee injury from which she once thought she would never recover, is now back to her best and eager to play.

Following her injury, the women’s football star was unable to afford the corrective surgery that doctors had recommended.

Makore, who was part of the history-making Mighty Warriors team that qualified for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, has now regained her form.

In a previous interview, she admitted that she never saw herself reaching the top level again, but today, she is standing tall.

The Mighty Warriors have not qualified for the Women’s Afcon since 2016, and their record at the tournament remains limited, with their best performance coming in 2000 when they finished fourth.

However, their qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics remains a significant achievement.

Under the leadership of new Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi, the team has received increased support, raising hopes that the Mighty Warriors will get the backing they need to succeed in the qualifiers. The squad is set to depart for Angola on Monday.

Zimbabwe Squad

Goalkeepers: Vanessa Lunga, Precious Mudyiwa, Lindiwe Magwede
Defenders: Egness Tumbare, Sheila Antonio, Purity Mugayi, Nobukhosi Ncube, Alice Moyo, Fortunate Ngocho
Midfielders: Daisy Kaitano, Morelife Nyagumbo, Ennetty Chemhere, Natasha Ndowa, Danai Bhobho, Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu, Shylne Dambamuromo
Strikers: Christabel Katona, Rutendo Makore, Ethel Chinyerere, Yolanda Kanyai, Ruvimbo Mucherera.