Zimbabwe’s senior women’s football team, the Mighty Warriors, left for Zambia on Thursday to take part in a four-nation tournament from June 6 to 9.
The Mighty Warriors will compete alongside hosts Zambia, Kenya, and Lesotho in the invitational competition, which presents another valuable platform for the national side to strengthen preparations, improve team cohesion, and gain crucial international exposure ahead of upcoming continental engagements.
The squad entered camp on Sunday, with preparations receiving a significant lift following the arrival of captain Emmaculate Musipa. The midfielder, who plays her club football in Israel, adds experience, leadership, and stability to coach Sithethelelwe ‘Kwinji 15’ Sibanda’s squad both on and off the pitch.
In a statement, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced that forward Ethel Chinyerere, currently based in Zambia, where she plays for Green Buffaloes, will link up with the team following its arrival in the neighbouring country.
Zimbabwe will begin its tournament campaign against Lesotho on Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. The victor of that match will advance to the final and take on the winner of the second semi-final featuring Zambia and Kenya.
For Sibanda and her coaching staff, the competition comes at a crucial point in the team’s growth. With a blend of seasoned internationals and promising young talent in the squad, the tournament offers an opportunity to evaluate player preparedness, fine-tune combinations and reinforce the team’s tactical framework.
Sibanda said the tournament would play an important role in advancing the team’s rebuilding efforts and overall preparations.
“This tournament gives us another opportunity to test ourselves against competitive opposition and to continue working on the areas we have identified as a team. We want to improve our match fitness, our organisation, and our decision-making under pressure.
“It is also important for us to keep building chemistry within the squad, especially with some of our foreign-based players coming in,” she said.
Apart from the results, the Four Nations Tournament is expected to assist Zimbabwe in enhancing game management, increasing efficiency in front of goal, and continuing the process of building a more balanced and competitive team.
New Ziana
