MIGHTY WARRIORS captain Onai Chingawo has been omitted from the team that is set to play Zambia in an international women’s friendly on Sunday. REPORT BY HENRY MHARA
The match will be played at Lusaka’s Nkoloma Stadium and the Zimbabwe team is set to leave today.
Coach Rosemary Mugadza yesterday released the names of the travelling 18-member squad, minus her long-serving skipper.
Media reports last month suggested that the goalkeeper wants to quit the game to commit her life to marriage. She is married to Dynamos forward Russell Madamombe.
However, Mugadza said she overlooked Chingawo to give a chance to other goalkeepers.
“We have the Cosafa championships coming up in four months’ time and we will need to have at least three goalkeepers at that tournament. We have called in Under-20 goalkeeper Portia Mukutya for this match to see how she reacts to a game situation. Onai is still part of the set-up because she has not communicated to us about any retirement plans. We will definitely call her for future assignments,” said Mugadza.
The Cosafa women championships will be held in Namibia in October.
Mugadza has recalled into the team strikers Rufaro Machingura and Rudo Neshamba.
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Machingura had taken a sabbatical from national team duties while Neshamba did not travel with the Mighty Warriors when they toured Uruguay early this year.
Defender Nobuhle Majika has also bounced back into the team after a spell on the sidelines.
From the team that travelled to South America, Eunice Chibanda and Violet Bepete have also been axed. Mighty Warriors squad Goalkeepers: C Dzingirai, P Mukutya Defenders: D Bhobho, R Mutyavaviri, N Majika, M Musasa, P Mujuru Midfielders: F Muzongondi, E Msipa, T Mandaza, N Ndlovu, M Chirandu, M Nyaumwe Strikers: R Machingura, R Neshamba, R Makore, E Jeke, K Bhasopo
