Harare, (New Ziana) – The Mighty Warriors have unveiled their provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s COSAFA Cup, with players from league champions Herentals FC and Black Rhinos forming the backbone of the team.
Six players from the two clubs have been included, underlining their dominance in the domestic league and their growing influence on the national stage.
The squad will be trimmed in the coming days as preparations intensify ahead of the regional tournament, which kicks off in South Africa on February 18.
The provisional list features several familiar names, including seasoned goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga and veteran striker Rutendo Makore, whose experience will be vital in guiding younger teammates.
Their inclusion signals the technical team’s intent to blend proven performers with emerging talent, ensuring both stability and fresh energy within the squad.
Head coach Sithetelelwe Sibanda will once again lead the team, continuing her tenure at the helm of Zimbabwe’s women’s football.
Sibanda, who has overseen the squad through highs and lows in recent years, is expected to emphasize discipline, tactical awareness, and fitness as the team enters camp next week. The technical staff has already instructed players to maintain good shape at home, ensuring they arrive in camp ready to sharpen their match readiness.
The COSAFA Cup remains a crucial platform for Zimbabwe, offering regional exposure and a chance to measure progress against southern Africa’s best. At the 12th edition of the tournament in 2024, hosted by South Africa, the Mighty Warriors endured a disappointing campaign, bowing out in the group stages while Zambia went on to lift the trophy.
Recent performances suggest the team is capable of improvement. In December, the Mighty Warriors participated in the Three-Nations Cup in Malawi, where they battled to a silver medal finish.
𝗠𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗢𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽
GOALKEEPERS:
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
DEFENDERS:
Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare
(Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos Queens), Christabel Katona (Black RhinosQueens)
MIDFIELDERS:
Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Unattached)
FORWARDS:
Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Acad), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black RhinosQueens), Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Blessing Dube (Correctional Queens)
TECHNICAL TEAM
Sithethelelwe Sibanda (Head Coach), Tsitsi Shiri (Assistant Coach), Onai Chingawo (Goalkeepers Coach), Primrose Serima (Fitness Coach), Dr Margaret Maulana (Team Doctor), Kudzanayi Matavire (Physiotherapist), Petronella Mutyambizi (Safeguarding), Debra Green (Team Manager).
New Ziana
