DESPITE statistics showing a one way flow of traffic each time the Mighty Warriors and Banyana Banyana face off, their clashes always provide enthralling entertainment because of their competitiveness.
BY SPORTS REPORTER
South Africa is by far the side that Zimbabwe has played the most in women football and their clash today in a high stacks Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awon) Group A match will be their 22nd meeting.
The match, which is live on Supersport 9 kicks off at 19:20pm local time.
Of those Zimbabwe only managed three wins, while South Africa won 14 times against their neighbours — four matches have ended in stalemates.
Last week the two clashed in a warm up match ahead of a tournament they face off in their first Group match.
Zimbabwe needed it, they had only played Egypt, who hardly tested them, since their return from the Olympics.
That South Africa came to Zimbabwe came and thrashed the Mighty Warriors 3-0 might have benefited the former, who got a reality check.
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Whether Shadreck Mlauzi’s team had enough time to work on their shortcomings will only discovered today when they rivals face off once again.
The match might have provided little insight for the South Africans on what exactly to expect from a rattled Zimbabwe side who should provide a different challenge today.
South Africa, looked sharper and fitter, but Zimbabwe can draw from the experience of the Olympics and impose themselves better on this game.
Mlauzi has not been scarred of chopping and changing to bring in youth, but he will be banking on the experience that he has in his side to carry them through.
If they are to go through to the next round, they know this is one match they will need to bag at, least a point from before Egypt and the tough prospect of facing the hosts itching for revenge after they were denied a ticket to the Olympics.
Vice-captain Emmaculate Msipa has been a vital cog for the team at the base of the midfield, while Majory Nyaumwe dictated pace just ahead.
Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri and Danai Bhobho are both back in the mix having missed the Olympics.
It will be interesting how Mlauzi will decide to set out his team, but whoever is given the nod will be eager to do well against a team that they hate to lose to the most.
Mighty Warriors Squad
C Dzingirai, L Magwede, M Mandara, N Majika, D Bhobho, N Ncube, P Mujuru, S Makoto, E Chibanda, R Mutyavaviri, T Mandaza, E Msipa, E Bhamu, M Chirandu, F Muzongondi, R Makore, K Bhasopo, M Nyaumwe, M Mafuruse, B Kabwe, S Moyo
Banyana v Zimbabwe
Head-to-head
Games played: 21
Banyana wins: 14
Banyana losses: 3
Draws: 4
Banyana goals: 43
Zimbabwe goals: 19
