IN a week when the whole country was plunged into a sombre mood following the death of former Warriors striker Adam Ndlovu in an accident that critically injured brother Peter and also claimed the life of a female passenger Nomqhele Tshili, the Mighty Warriors on Saturday gave Zimbabweans something to smile about after beating Botswana 5-0 to retain the Unity Cup Challenge match at Rufaro Stadium.
REPORT BY HENRY MHARA
Goals from Rutendo Makore (brace), Rudo Neshamba, Rufaro Machingura and a rare strike from star midfielder Marjory Nyaumwe made sure that “Adamski”, who was buried on the same day, got a befitting sendoff deserving a hero.
With the scorers imitating Adamski’s famous goal celebrations every time they hit the target, the afternoon was filled with nothing but the memories of the former Warriors hitman who scored a remarkable 34 goals for his country.
“We were dedicating the match to Adam and we had to win it at all cost. Thank God we came right,” Mighty Warriors coach Rosemary Mugadza said after the match. “We say to Adam, rest in peace our dear brother. We will miss you, but we have at least managed to do this for you.”
Women’s football boss Mavis Gumbo said: “Adam, you are gone, but your spirit lives on. We say sleep well and this win was indeed a dedication to you.”
The win over Botswana also completed a highly successful 2012 campaign for women’s football in general.
The Mighty Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors, had a remarkable campaign in the African Women’s Championships and the World Cup qualifiers respectively, beating countries like Angola, Zambia and Mozambique.
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And had it not been for Caf’s pairings in the last qualifying round, which saw Zimbabwe drawn against African champions Nigeria on both occasions, the Mighty Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors could have easily qualified for the two finals. The Mugadza-coached side will, however, take solace in winning the Unity Cup Challenge, while Langton Giwa’s Young Mighty Warriors got a silver medal at the Zone VI Games in Zambia early this month.
The Mighty Warriors will start preparations for a number of qualifiers next year with a five- team tournament in Uruguay.
“Between March 4 and 17, we will be in Uruguay. The tournament will involve Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Zimbabwe. We won’t stop after that. It would be a continuation of friendly matches until we go to competitions.”
