Zimbabwe’s senior women’s national football team, the Mighty Warriors, are intensifying preparations as they look to make a strong impact at the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, set to be played in Polokwane, South Africa, from 18 February to 1 March 2026.
The region’s premier women’s football tournament will pit Zimbabwe against some of Southern Africa’s most competitive sides after the team was drawn into Group B alongside defending champions Zambia, Botswana and Eswatini. The group stage promises to be a stern test of Zimbabwe’s progress after a mixed run of results in recent regional competitions.
Last week, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) unveiled a provisional squad for the tournament under the stewardship of head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda, drawing heavily from domestic league champions Herentals and Black Rhinos — each contributing six players to the national pool. This blend of local talent reflects a broader strategy to foster continuity between the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League and the national team setup.
Despite official planning, reports emerged late in January suggesting delays in naming the squad and commencing formal training, raising concerns among supporters about Zimbabwe’s readiness compared to regional rivals who have already begun camp activities. However, ZIFA sources insist structures are now in place with fitness training already underway domestically before the team moves into full-time preparation in camp.
The COSAFA Championship offers a valuable opportunity for the Mighty Warriors to assert themselves regionally. Zambia enters as defending champions, having clinched the title in the previous edition, while South Africa — the historical powerhouse — head up Group A. Zimbabwe’s campaign will formally kick off with a Group B match against Eswatini on 19 February, followed by key showdowns against Zambia on 22 February and Botswana on 24 February.
Coach Sibanda has underscored the need for tactical discipline, fitness and mental resilience as her side tackle a competitive draw. “We respect all our opponents, but we go there to compete and show the progress we’ve made,” she said in a recent briefing.
For Zimbabwe, success at Polokwane goes beyond results. The tournament represents an important step in the ongoing development of the women’s game nationally and a chance to build momentum ahead of continental qualifiers later in 2026. After a group-stage exit in past editions, hope is high that this iteration will see the Warriors rise to the occasion and bring regional silverware back home.
