HERENTALS Queens is gunning for gold in the Caf Women’s Champions League Qualifiers, set to kick off in Johannesburg, South Africa, tomorrow.
The Zimbabwean champions, affectionately known as Vagoni Vebasa, were drawn in Group C alongside Costa do Sol from Mozambique and Olympic De Moroni from Comoros.
After reaching the semifinals last year, captain Tabeth Mutinhiri (pictured) believes her team has what it takes to bring home the trophy.
“We are expecting to do better than last time,” Mutinhiri told NewsDay Sport.
“We have prepared well, and we are fighters. We want to make our fans and everyone who believes in us proud.
“But for us to achieve that, we need to pray hard because without God, we won’t go anywhere.”
The rock-solid defender is set to make her continental debut after missing last year’s tournament due to a nasty ankle injury that ruled her out for the season.
“I’m going there to prove myself and showcase my talent with my teammates,” she added.
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“We managed to beef up our squad, we’re stronger as a team, and we’re fully prepared to bring the trophy home.”
Mutinhiri expressed gratitude to her club and management, including the club president Innocent Benza, for ensuring she received the best medical attention to get back to full fitness.
Herentals head coach Simbarashe Dedza is confident his team can defy the odds.
“We’re ready for the competition, and we are expecting greatness and success,” Dedza said.
“We don’t have to underrate the opponents because they are champions from their leagues.”
Dedza added that his team needs to tighten their defensive screws and find their scoring form to boost their chances of making an impression in South Africa.
“Specific strategies for the team include creating goal-scoring opportunities and converting them. A high level of fitness is also a top priority,” he said.
Last year, Herentals were drawn in Group A, finishing second tied on six points with eventual winners University of Western Cape (UWC).
They proceeded to the semifinals as runners-up in the group after losing 2-1 in their last group match against UWC.
