Mighty Warriors earn plaudits after spirited COSAFA campaign in Polokwane

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has congratulated the Mighty Warriors after a strong COSAFA Women’s Championship campaign in Polokwane, South Africa – one that ended in real heartbreak, but also offered plenty to be proud of.

Zimbabwe came within touching distance of the final, only to be denied by hosts South Africa in the semi-finals through the lottery of a penalty shootout. It was a cruel way to bow out, especially after such a tight contest, and the team then had to pick themselves up quickly for the third-place play-off. There, the Mighty Warriors fell 3–1 to Zambia – a result that didn’t reflect the effort they put into the tournament as a whole.

There were, however, clear signs of progress throughout the campaign. In the group stages, Zimbabwe held Zambia to a goalless draw, with the two sides eventually finishing level on points in Group B – proof of just how fine the margins were.

The individual honours, too, told an encouraging story. Nobukhosi Ncube, Eggness Tumbare and Cynthia Shonga were selected into the Team of the Tournament for the group stages, while Head Coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda was recognised with the coaching accolade. And up front, Rutendo Makore capped a fine tournament by winning the Golden Boot after scoring three goals.

ZIFA Vice President Loveness Mukura, who was with the team in Polokwane, said the players deserved real credit for the way they carried themselves and competed.

“This team gave everything,” said Mukura. “To lose on penalties is always painful because it comes down to the smallest moments, but the Mighty Warriors showed heart, discipline and belief. They represented Zimbabwe with pride, and we’re encouraged by the direction the team is taking.”

Mukura also paid tribute to the Government of Zimbabwe, particularly the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture, for backing the squad in a meaningful way. The Ministry, represented by Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, supported the team with an incentive of USD2,700 per player, and her presence in Polokwane, ZIFA said, made a genuine difference to morale.

“Honourable Jesaya being there mattered,” Mukura said. “It lifted the players and reminded them that the country was behind them. We’re grateful for the USD2,700 per player incentive, and for the support she brought in person. It was a real boost at an important time.”

ZIFA also confirmed that, aside from the Government incentive, all Mighty Warriors have been paid their allowances in full – a point the Association says reflects its commitment to professionalism and proper player welfare.

“As an Association, we are pleased that the team’s allowances were paid in full,” Mukura added. “That matters. Our players must feel supported and respected when they are serving the nation. We want to keep raising standards on and off the field as we continue developing this team.”

Coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda said the team will take the lessons from Polokwane and use them as motivation for what comes next. “I’m proud of the players and the way they approached the tournament,” said Sibanda. “The penalty shootout loss in the semi-final was tough to take, but it also shows we were right there, competing with the best. We’ll learn from it, improve the small details, and come back stronger. The recognition for the players and for the coaching team is really about the work the whole group put in.”

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi echoed those sentiments, praising the squad’s fighting spirit and the progress being made. “This was a campaign that showed growth,” said Magwizi. “Yes, it ended in disappointment, and losing a semi-final on penalties is a particularly painful way to exit. But the bigger picture is that the Mighty Warriors competed, they improved, and they showed that Zimbabwe can go toe-to-toe with the best in the region.”

As the Mighty Warriors return home, ZIFA says the focus now is simple: build on the positives, keep investing in preparation and development, and keep pushing forward –there’s plenty from Polokwane to take into the next chapter with confidence.

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