By Chantelle T Muzanenhamo
Former Mighty Warriors midfielder and coach Sithelelelwe Sibanda has bounced back to the Mighty Warriors bench ahead of the COSAFA Cup scheduled to take place in October in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The appointment of Kwinji 15 as Sibanda is affectionately known was announced by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA). She returns for a second stint as the coach of the Warriors.
Sibanda, who holds a CAFA coaching license, is set to lead the team as they prepare for the highly anticipated COSAFA Cup tournament has previously held the head coach position from 2017 to 2021.
During her first tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s identity and competitiveness. Notably, she was part of the coaching staff that guided the Mighty Warriors to their historic qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, a significant milestone in Zimbabwean women’s football.
ZIFA Normalisation Committee Chairman, Lincoln Mutasa, expressed enthusiasm for Sibanda’s return.
“We are thrilled to have Sithethelelwe Sibanda back to lead the Mighty Warriors. She has a proven track record and a deep understanding of the game, and we are confident that under her guidance, the team will continue to excel on both the regional and international stages. Her commitment to the development of women’s football in Zimbabwe is unparalleled, and we look forward to seeing the team thrive under her leadership. On behalf of the Zimbabwe Football Association, I congratulate and welcome Sithethelelwe on her appointment and wish her all the best in the upcoming COSAFA Cup.” he said.
Sibanda takes over from former coach Shadreck Mlauzi, who was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the team’s recent successes. Mlauzi’s tenure saw the Mighty Warriors participate in several competitive tournaments, fostering a spirit of resilience and camaraderie among the players. Additionally, interim coaches Chipo Tsodzo and Miriam Mupindidzi have also contributed to the team’s development, emphasizing the importance of youth integration and tactical discipline.
Born in Bulawayo, Sibanda has been immersed in football from a young age, initially making her mark as a player before transitioning into coaching. Her dedication to the sport and tactical acumen earned her the nickname “Kwinji 15,” reflecting her impact on the field. Through her leadership, she has inspired many young female athletes in Zimbabwe, advocating for the growth and recognition of women’s football.