Johnson Progress

The Zimbabwe senior women’s national team, the Mighty Warriors, are setting their sights on a monumental upset as they prepare to face regional heavyweights South Africa in the semi-finals of the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship today.

The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Friday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with Zimbabwe eager to dethrone the tournament hosts and book their place in the final .

The Mighty Warriors arrive at this knockout stage with considerable momentum, having navigated the group phases without suffering a single defeat.

In a dominant display in Group B, Zimbabwe accumulated seven points, matching the total of defending champions Zambia to secure their place in the last four .

This unbeaten run stands in stark contrast to their recent struggles in the competition, where they have often failed to progress past the group stage, and has injected a surge of confidence into the squad .

Standing in their way is a formidable South African side.

Banyana Banyana, the reigning African champions, have also looked impressive on their home turf.

They opened their campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Malawi, showcasing the depth and resilience that has made them a continental powerhouse .

Acknowledging the strength of the opponent, the Mighty Warriors remain undeterred, viewing this match as an opportunity to rekindle the spirit of their 2011 triumph, the last time Zimbabwe lifted the COSAFA trophy .

Speaking from the team camp in Polokwane, Mighty Warriors head coach Sithethelelwe Sibanda conveyed her team’s fearless mindset.

“We are not here just to participate; we are here to compete and make a statement,” Sibanda asserted.

“The players know the task at hand. South Africa is a top side, especially at home, but we have prepared meticulously for this. My message to the team is to believe in themselves and execute the game plan we have worked on. An upset is definitely possible.”

The coach’s confidence is rooted in a meticulous preparation that began with a two-week training camp in Harare.

Sibanda has carefully curated a 23-woman squad that blends youthful exuberance with the calmness of seasoned campaigners.

The team selection heavily features stars from the domestic league, with Herentals Queens and Black Rhinos Queens contributing a significant core of the squad, including experienced forward Rutendo Makore and reliable goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga .

For the players, the semi-final represents a chance to topple a team they have historically found difficult to beat.

According to historical records, South Africa holds a dominant record in the fixture, having won 13 of the 21 encounters between the two nations.

However, past statistics offer little comfort on match day, and the Zimbabwean camp is focused on the present.

Veteran striker Rutendo Makore, one of the key figures in the squad, emphasized the team’s collective hunger.

“The past is the past. What matters is what happens on that pitch on Friday,” Makore said.

“We have a young, energetic squad that is not intimidated by reputations. Finishing unbeaten in a group with Zambia has shown us what we are capable of. We are hungry to bring this trophy home for Zimbabwe, and we are willing to fight for every ball to make that happen.”

While Zimbabwe is not part of the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, this tournament is a crucial part of their long-term vision, serving as a high-stakes platform to build a squad capable of competing for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers .

On the other side, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis is wary of the threat posed by a confident Zimbabwean outfit.

Ellis, who is using this tournament to blend new talent with experienced leaders like Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane ahead of WAFCON, acknowledged that the knockout stages demand a higher level of performance.

“The group stage is about building momentum, but the semi-finals are about results,” Ellis commented.

“We expect a very tough match against Zimbabwe. They are physical, they are organised, and they have nothing to lose. We will need to be at our absolute best, show composure, and take our chances if we want to advance.”

With a place in the final at stake and regional pride on the line, Friday’s encounter at the Peter Mokaba Stadium promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

The Mighty Warriors are determined to rewrite the narrative against their arch-rivals and reignite the footballing passion of a nation that has been waiting for a regional crown since 2011 .