Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya has expressed government’s support for the Mighty Warriors as the national women’s football team prepares for the COSAFA Women’s Championship to be held in Polokwane, South Africa, from February 18 to March 1.
Jesaya visited the team’s training camp to assess their preparedness and welfare ahead of the regional tournament. She said the visit was meant to demonstrate government commitment to the growth and empowerment of women in sport.
“We thought it was important to interact with the players to show government support and our commitment to the development of sports, especially women in sport. We wanted to understand where they are camping, what facilities they are using, what they have been eating and their state of preparedness,” said Jesaya.
She described the engagement with the players and technical team as productive, adding that key issues such as players’ welfare, expectations, contracts and accommodation were discussed.
“It was an enlightening meeting and we are going to take up the issues they raised and engage the relevant stakeholders to see how best we can support the girls,” she said.
Meanwhile, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said he was confident in the Mighty Warriors’ readiness for the COSAFA tournament, with all logistical arrangements already in place.
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Magwizi confirmed that the team will depart Zimbabwe on February 17.
“We have been preparing for the COSAFA tournament, which is due to start on the 19th. Our girls are going to leave Zimbabwe on the 17th of February. Logistically, I think we are ready. All the travel arrangements are in place and the accommodation is in place,” he said.
He added that the team has been in camp at the ZESA Training Centre, where the technical team is finalising preparations.
“The technical team is in place, just working on their final preparations. They have been here at the ZESA Training Centre for the past few days preparing for this particular tournament. In terms of readiness, we are ready to participate and be competitive,” said Magwizi.
Magwizi also acknowledged that the group stage will be challenging, with Zambia, Botswana and Eswatini among their opponents.
“It is challenging because we have teams like Zambia in our group. We also have Botswana and Eswatini, but we believe the girls have what it takes to post some very good results,” he said.
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