MIGHTY Warriors head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda has announced a provisional squad for the 2026 Cosafa Women’s Championship, set to run in South Africa from February 18 to March 1.
The Zimbabwe Football Association released the squad yesterday, signaling a clear strategy ahead of the tournament. Sibanda has opted for an all-locally based roster, rewarding consistent performers from the domestic league. The selection is dominated by stars from the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier League, with Queens, Herentals, and Black Rhinos supplying most of the players. Queens, in particular, form the tactical backbone of the squad.
Notable inclusions are veteran forward Rutendo Makore and dependable goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga, highlighting the blend of experience and talent. The provisional squad will be trimmed in the coming weeks as the technical team sharpens the team ahead of the competition.
After a disappointing 2024 Cosafa campaign where Zimbabwe failed to progress past the group stages, this squad represents a fresh push to reclaim regional dominance in Southern African women’s football. Recent form offers optimism, with the Mighty Warriors winning silver at the Three-Nations Cup in Malawi, including a 2-1 victory over the hosts.
Sibanda will be supported by a robust technical team, including assistant coach Tsitsi Shiri and goalkeepers coach Onai Chingawo.
Seeking redemption The 2026 edition of the Cosafa Championship comes after a hiatus in 2025, when the tournament was postponed due to the lack of a host nation.
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For the Mighty Warriors, this is an opportunity for redemption following a disappointing 2024 exit, where they failed to progress past the group stages, finishing second in Group D.
However, recent form suggests the team is finding its rhythm. The Mighty Warriors were last in action in December at the Three-Nations Cup in Malawi. They put on a spirited display to secure a silver medal, highlighted by a 2-1 victory over the hosts, despite a tough 3-1 loss to Zambia.
As the squad enters camp, the focus remains on building a cohesive unit capable of reclaiming Zimbabwe’s status as a powerhouse in Southern African women's football.
Mighty Warriors provisional squad
Goalkeepers:
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
Defenders:
Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens)
Midfielders:
Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Tanyaradzwa Chihoro (Unattached)
Forwards:
Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Blessing Dube (Correctional Queens)