Zimbabwe will this Wednesday join 34 other African nations in the draw for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games women’s football qualifiers, as the continent begins its road to securing two precious spots at the global showpiece.
The draw will be conducted at 2PM Zimbabwean time at the Confederation of African Football headquarters in Cairo.
A total of five qualifying rounds will determine which two teams will represent Africa at the 2028 Olympic Games, a journey expected to be fiercely contested.
Regional giants including Nigeria women’s national football team and Zambia women’s national football team, both participants at the 2024 Olympic Games, headline the contenders. They are joined by strong sides such as South Africa women’s national soccer team, Morocco women’s national football team, Cameroon women’s national football team and Malawi women’s national football team.
Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors are eyeing a long-awaited resurgence. They last graced the Olympic Games at the 2016 Summer Olympics, marking a historic moment for local women’s football.
A source within the national team setup said preparations will begin as soon as the draw is confirmed.
“The team is eager to know its path to Los Angeles. Everyone understands how big this opportunity is,” the official said.
A senior ZIFA women’s football administrator also expressed optimism:
“Qualifying will not be easy, but the Mighty Warriors have shown before that they can rise to the occasion. The draw is the first step of a very important journey.”
With renewed structures, growing player pools and increasing regional competition, Zimbabwe’s road back to the Olympic stage promises to be both challenging and inspiring.
