Makore Leads Charge as Mighty Warriors Unveil COSAFA Squad
Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda has named a strong 23-member squad for the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, declaring her team “ready to fight for every point” ahead of the regional showpiece in Polokwane.
Zimbabwe, drawn in Group B, will face a tricky path against Zambia women’s national football team, Botswana and Eswatini.
The team kicks off its campaign on 19 February against Eswatini at Seshego Stadium before a high-stakes clash with defending champions Zambia on 22 February at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. They wrap up group action against Botswana on 24 February.
Sibanda said the squad blends experience and rising talent:
“These girls have earned their places. We trust their hunger, discipline and ability to deliver under pressure,” she said.
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Only the top team in each group and the best runner-up will reach the semi-finals, a format that raises the stakes for Zimbabwe.
“Every goal matters. Every mistake counts. We have to be sharp from day one,” Sibanda added.
FULL 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)
- Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos Queens)
Midfielders
- Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens)
- Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens)
- Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens)
- Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens)
- Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals)
- Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens)
Forwards
- Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens)
- Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens)
- Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos Queens)
- Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens)
- Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens)
