THE history-making Mighty Warriors are set to regroup for the first time since the Rio Olympic Games today with morale at its lowest ebb in camp after an unpleasant reception as well as a snub by the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) upon their return from the global games in August.
BY MUNYARADZI MADZOKERE
Preparations for the Women Africa Cup of Nations pencilled for Cameroon from November 19 to December 3 begin in earnest, with a friendly against Egypt at Rufaro Stadium on Tuesday.
The Shadreck Mlauzi-coached Mighty Warriors that were clobbered 6-1, 3-1 and 6-1 by Germany, Canada and Australia respectively in Brazil, had no welcome arrangements made for them when they returned and were given a transport allowances ranging between $5 and $20.
Zifa heaped all the blame on the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, promising to hand over housing stands given to the team by government as well as some monetary rewards, which the footballing mother body, however, is yet to honour six weeks on.
Mlauzi said it was getting increasingly difficult to motivate a team that rarely received incentives in spite of the success that it was achieving.
“I must admit that it is becoming increasingly difficult to motivate a team which has done well under difficult conditions, especially in the absence of incentive. This team went to the Rio Olympics; but it’s extremely sad when the players have nothing to show for it, but we are ultimate optimists and we will always give our best for the country,” he said.
With the Mighty Warriors preparing for a second major cup appearance in a space of three months when they compete at the Africa Women Cup of Nations in Cameroon this November, Mlauzi believes the team — although low in morale — has the capacity to bring home the cup.
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“When the workforce is not happy, naturally production is negatively affected; but we remain an ambitious team despite the lack of motivation. We can conquer Africa because I think very few teams will give us problems like we had in Rio, but I sincerely hope motivation in the form of incentives will come for the girls before we go,” Mlauzi said.
The Mighty Warriors gaffer also warned against the habit of going for tournaments and international matches without adequate preparations, which he felt has a damaging effect on the players in the long run.
In another prime example of poor organisation on the part of Zifa, the Mighty Warriors have got only one day to prepare for a crucial Afcon preparatory friendly match at home to Egypt.
The team will trickle into camp today and will only have tomorrow to train before the encounter.
“We have no time to assess the new players so we are just going to bank on previous performances, which is not what you want. Once again, we will have to juggle around that situation and make the most of the friendly match despite the logistical challenges and the poor timing,” Mlauzi said.
Earlier in the week, Mlauzi named a weakened team for the Egypt game with notable exclusions being Captain Felistas Muzongondi, defender Lynnette Mutokuto, top strikers Rudo Neshamba, Erina Jeke and Samkelisiwe Zulu.
Mighty Warriors may have to break camp after the Egypt match as arrangements for a lengthy training camp are yet to be finalised.
