COSAFA Women’s Championship: Zimbabwe wanted it more than Eswatini – Sibanda

Zimbabwe senior women’s team coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda has shared the secret to her team’s winning start to the COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa on Thursday.

Despite coming from a lengthy off-season break that affected fitness levels, the Mighty Warriors kickstarted their Group B race with a 2-0 victory over Eswatini.

𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞:

🇸🇿 Eswatini 0 – Zimbabwe 2 (Zvawanda 37’ Makore 54’) 🇿🇼#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/RbV2roPbH0

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 19, 2026

The result was so ironic considering that Sitsebe SaMhlekazi, as Eswatini are also called, were active in the build-up to the tournament having played two friendlies against Mozambique.

Reflecting on the result, Sibanda said their strong mental character prevailed over Eswatini’s good physical conditioning.

“At the end of the day, getting three points is positive, as it was a tough one. There were a lot of positives that we saw in the game and a lot of other stuff that we need to work on in the next game,” she said.

“For me getting the three points versus a country that has been active when we are just coming from the break, is a positive for the team.”

Mighty Warriors and challenge of fitness

Sibanda admitted that she had a challenge getting her players in shape as the season in Zimbabwe is on a recess.

“We are just from the holidays as our season is different from the others, but at the end of the day, if the physical is not supported by the mental part of the players, then it boils down to nothing.

“Physiologically, the players were much better. They wanted it better than their opponents who were physically in a better state,” she said.

Sibanda wants to use COSAFA to groom players

The coach explained that she wants to use the regional tournament to groom players for future assignments.

“We want to expose our players to these games. We had three debutants, and they had a good game. They started off very well. We are getting everyone to have that experience so that we have a pool of players to choose from when it comes to matches that we play in the future,’’ she said.

The games for the group resume on Tuesday, February 24 when Zimbabwe face Botswana at Seshego Stadium in North West Province.

The other game will see Eswatini taking on Zambia at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

COSAFA Women’s Championship Fixtures

Friday, February 20

Mozambique vs Namibia – Group C – 15h00, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium

Saturday, February 21

Malawi vs Lesotho – Group A – 12h00, Seshego Stadium

South Africa vs Angola – Group A – 15h00, Seshego Stadium