Hwange goalie challenges Mighty Warriors coach

By Nkosilathi Sibanda

Hwange Ladies FC goalkeeper Pamela Mhlanga has said that if the Mighty Warriors are to put a lasting impression in continental football, national team coach Shadreck Mlauzi should consider scouting for talent in the coal mining town.

Mhlanga, whose team is fast becoming a powerhouse in the domestic women football league, opines that there are many good players outside bigger towns.

She made the claim after reviewing the national women soccer team’s performance at the ongoing African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Cameroon.

The Mighty Warriors pulled all strings out in the continental campaign but failed to advance to the next stage.

The Mighty Warriors’ hopes were quashed after succumbing to a 2-nil defeat to Cameroon.

The Hwange Ladies shot stopper believes the team would have made it if Mlauzi had faith in other players elsewhere.

“As a footballer I was disappointed with how the Mighty Warriors played. The girls are talented but I urge the coach to try talent from areas such as Hwange. I am not undermining the current setup, but encouraging the technical team to complement the team by calling players from Hwange as well,” she said.

The 28 year old was one of the best goalkeepers this season and was once called up to the national team in 2015.

An administrator in women’s soccer echoed Mhlanga’s view, emphasising the need for women soccer to spread nationwide.

Southern region football administrator and Street Set Football club boss Lee Mangena said clubs must help in the building of a strong Mighty Warriors team through availing players they deem fit for the national team.

“The coach must scout for players from all over. The Mighty Warriors are a national team and as such need to have a talented side comprising players from all over the country.” Chronicle