HARARE - Despite the problems engulfing the Mighty Warriors camp over unpaid bonuses, coach Shadreck Mlauzi is confident the ladies will dispatch Zambia in today’s African Women Cup of Nations final qualifier.
Zimbabwe take on their northern neighbours at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon in the first leg qualifier with the return leg set for Lusaka this coming weekend.
With morale in the team’s camp reportedly at its lowest ebb owing to financial problems, Mlauzi said the prospect of qualifying for the finals is pushing his charges to do well.
The winner between the two countries will qualify for the tournament to be hosted by Cameroon later this year.
“At this level of the qualifiers, I think the ladies are mentally prepared and ready,” Mlauzi told the Daily News yesterday.
“It’s not going to be an easy match. There is no doubt about that and I know that. But we will be tough mentally. We only have one option of beating them if we are to qualify.
“We have put our paces together very well and we are ready. Nonetheless, we respect them just like we respect any other side.
“Our plan is to win by a huge margin so that it will be easy for us in the return leg. Remember the return leg is on Sunday and we would want to go there with the job half done.”
With some of the team’s regular players ruled out for the tie owing to different ailments, Mlauzi is confident with the replacements.
Rudo Neshamba, who is struggling with a knee injury, has been ruled out so is defender Eunice Chibanda, who was suspended after picking up two yellow cards in the previous qualifier against Tanzania.
Vice captain Nobuhle Majika is set to undergo a late fitness test to be considered for selection today.
“We have a strong squad and I think the guys who have been called in are equally good,” Mlauzi added.
The Africa Women Cup of Nations was until 2015 called the Africa Women’s Championships and is a similar to the men’s version of Africa Cup of Nations.
Seven teams will qualify to join the host nation, Cameroon for the competition, which begins from November 19 to December 3 this year.