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Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
MIGHTY Warriors assistant coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda has urged the senior women side to give their best when they take on Cameroon on Saturday at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé in the last round of the Olympic Games qualifiers.

Cameroon are coming into the game as the favourites as they are regarded as one of the strong teams in women’s football in Africa. They were at the World Cup in June and they reached the African Games finals held in Congo Brazzaville recently.

While Cameroon have been battling in such competitive events, Zimbabwe have had challenges with their preparations since the qualifiers began early this year and the team resorted to last minute preparations.

However, Sibanda said although their opponents appear to have the upper hand, they will not go down without a fight.

“We’re trying to really prepare ourselves tactically and also preparing the players psychologically because we can’t run away from the fact that Cameroon have been more competitive than us and recently they featured in the African Games finals but we believe that regardless of their status, the team is anticipating to get to the highest level in terms of them playing.

“It’s going to be a tough match but we’re going to compete. We’re expecting a good result from Cameroon, so we’re preparing for them tactically,” said Sibanda.

The former Mighty Warriors midfielder said the team understands the importance of the game and that on its own is a clear motivation for them.

“So far the preparations are okay. The players are really responding well to the training methods and everything that we’re doing at training.

“The match itself is very important. We’re at a stage we’ve never reached before. So it’s an important game for us coaches and for players as well,” said Sibanda.

Sibanda, popularly known as “Kwinji 15” expressed excitement to be working with the senior women’s team.

“It’s a privilege to serve your country at different levels – being a player, and a coach – and I feel like a role model to the team. I’m sure they also aspire to become administrators, coaches and managers. So I believe it’s good for the players as they know where to go from here,” said Sibanda.

It’s not yet certain if the team will fly out today as indicated by Zifa chief executive, Jonathan Mashingaidze early this week.

However, the Zimbabwe Women Football executive was yesterday making frantic efforts to raise the needed money for the trip amid indications that they had also sent an SOS to Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries.

Mighty Warriors Team

Chido Dzingirai, Lindiwe Magwede, Sheila Makoto, Lynette Mutokuto, Nobuhle Majika, Emmaculate Msipa, Rejoice Kapfumvuti, Rudo Neshamba, Erina Jeke, Marjory Nyaumwe, Felistas Muzongondi, Eunice Chibanda, Sifundile Moyo, Aldglade Bhamu, Chido Muhara, Faith Chasi, Rutendo Makore, Viola Ndlovu.