MIGHTY Warriors captain Emmaculate Msipa has welcomed the growing unity within Zimbabwe’s women’s national team as she makes her long-awaited return to the squad ahead of the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia.
The experienced midfielder, who plays her club football in Israel, is among the few foreign-based players in coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda’s squad and believes the tournament will provide a valuable platform for the team to build chemistry ahead of the Olympic qualifiers against Malawi in October.
After spending a lengthy period away from national team duty, Msipa expressed her delight at rejoining the squad and reconnecting with both familiar and new faces.
“It feels good. I’m glad I’m here and delighted to be part of the squad again,” Msipa said.
“It’s been a while, so I’m happy to see my teammates, new faces and old faces.”
The former Olympic participant was particularly encouraged by the atmosphere she found in camp, highlighting the relationship between senior and younger players.
“I just joined the team yesterday, but everything is okay.
“The juniors and the seniors are working together.
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“There’s good energy and oneness in the team.”
Zimbabwe will use the Four Nations Tournament as part of preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying campaign, with matches against regional rivals expected to provide a stern test.
“We are very happy to participate in this tournament because we know we have the Olympic qualifier ahead of us in October,” Msipa said.
“The road is not easy if you want to qualify for the Olympics and Malawi will be a tough side.
“These friendly matches are important for our preparations.”
Should Zimbabwe secure qualification, Msipa could become one of the few players to represent the country at two Olympic Games, having featured when the Mighty Warriors made history by qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Reflecting on that memorable campaign, she recalled the team’s spirited display against world champions Germany and the unforgettable clash against Australia.
“I will never forget the match against Australia and the celebrations afterwards,” she said.
“I also remember the first half against Germany, varungu vakatsvuka [The Germans overworked unexpectedly].
“We managed to hold them for about 30 to 38 minutes without conceding and that remains one of my best memories.”
Drawing from that experience, Msipa urged the younger generation to embrace professionalism and seize opportunities presented by the rapid growth of women’s football.
“Women’s football is growing worldwide and there are more opportunities now.
“Major tournaments like the Olympics can help players market themselves and earn chances to play overseas.
“I always encourage the young players to express themselves and be strong.”
Msipa heaped praise on the team’s progress in training, saying the squad had shown encouraging signs in both attack and defence and was ready for the challenge posed by strong opponents such as Zambia and Kenya.
“Zambia is a tough side and Kenya is also a tough side, but we are the Mighty Warriors.
“We will do our very best and make the nation proud.”
