Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Grace Chingoma
23 February 2008
Harare — BANYANA BANYANA are ready to spoil the Mighty Warriors party when the two sides meet in a 2008 African Championships first round, first leg tie at Gwanzura today.
South Africa, who flew into the country yesterday, brought the same team, which lost to Nigeria in a 2008 Beijing Olympic Games qualifier last week.
Portia Modise, Veronica Phewa and Janine Van Wyk -- the key Banyana Banyana players who have always troubled Zimbabwe in the past -- are not part of this squad.
But there were places for midfielder Kyle Ann Louw who created serious problems for the Mighty Warriors at Rufaro last year as well as striker Nompumelelo Nyandeni.
Banyana coach Augustine Makhalakhalane said while they had respect for their hosts, they were out for a win.
"I bought my full strength team, the one which lost to Nigeria, and the only player who is not in the team is Portia and she was also not in the team when we played Nigeria.
"I need to win the game and we hope to play our best football," said Makhalakhalane.
He said it was likely to be a tough contest.
"We beat Zimbabwe the last time but my team has changed and Zimbabwe has changed and it will be a different ball game.
"We will see the game tomorrow. Football is played 90 minutes and we will play football, attacking football.
"We have worked to correct the weaknesses against Nigeria. We lost to Nigeria we knew it was going to be tough to play Nigeria who were coming straight from World Cup.
"Nigeria and Ghana have the best players in Africa and it was always going to be a challenge to win against them," said Makhalakhalane.
The match will be interesting as both teams' coaches are former players of their national teams.
Zimbabwe coach Moses Chunga said he will not read much into the South African team.
"We will field eleven players and they will field the same number so we meet on the field," said Chunga.
The cheapest ticket will cost $10 million.
The Zimbabwe National Supporters Association leader Eddie "Mboma" Nyatanga has urged fans to come in their thousands to support the Mighty Warriors.
Zimbabwe (Probable line-up)
Daisy Mukwena, Anna Bhamu, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Nomatter Bwoni, Lynette Mutokuto, Nomsa Moyo, Sandra Muchuchu, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Nokuthula Ndlovu, Marylin Magozore, Ntombiyelanga Ndlovu.
South Africa
Goalkeepers: Phindile Nkosi, Mandy de Arouja.
Defenders: Keneilwe Mathibela, Pearl Alexander, Gloria Thato, Hlengewe Ngwane, Xolisiwe Mnikathi, Simphiwe Dludlu, Nothando Vilakazi.
Midfielders: Kyle Ann Louw, Mamello Makhabane, Merry Ntsweng, Phumzile Mokgamane, Nompumelelo Nyandeni.
Strikers: Danielle Clayford, Noko Matlou, Zandile Ndlovu, Nomthandazo Kubheka.
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