ZIMBABWE senior women's soccer team captain Emmaculate Msipa has issued a rallying cry to her teammates as the Mighty Warriors prepare to face Angola in the decisive second leg of their Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers in South Africa tomorrow.
According to the star midfielder, they are ready to put in the hard yards to secure a spot in the next round.
Zimbabwe's task is daunting, having gone down 2-1 in the first leg in Luanda. However, the Mighty Warriors are drawing inspiration from their performance in the reverse fixture, where newcomer Ruvimbo Mucherera scored Zimbabwe's only goal, courtesy of an Ethel Chinyerere assist.
To progress to the next round, the team needs to win by a clear two-goal margin at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria tomorrow. It's a tall order, but head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda is confident in her team's abilities, boasting a talented squad with depth in every department.
Msipa expressed optimism about the team's preparations and the weather conditions in Pretoria.
"We are settling well here. The weather conditions are great. Our preparations are going well. We are working on the areas we were lacking in the first match," she said.
The Mighty Warriors skipper added that the team is focused on the task at hand, urging her teammates to remain committed and driven.
"The marathon is not over, the race is not over; we still have 90 minutes plus to try and get us back in a position of authority and we are going to do well," Msipa said.
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Msipa also made a passionate appeal to Zimbabwean fans, particularly those based in South Africa, to come out in numbers and support the team.
"Your presence is very important to us, come and support the girl child, come and support the Mighty Warriors, we need you."
Seasoned midfielder Mavis Chirandu echoed Msipa's sentiments, calling on Zimbabweans in South Africa to throng the Lucas Moripe Stadium and rally behind the team.
"We have a match on Wednesday against Angola. To all the Zimbabweans based in South Africa, we are kindly asking you to come and support us... and help us qualify for the next round."
