Thu, 21 Sep 2017 13:32:49 +0000
…As Zambia seek revenge over the dominant Banyana Banyana
By Michael Miyoba
ZAMBIA’S quest to reach the 2017 COSAFA women’s championship final comes under stern test today when the Albert Kachinga-tutored girls take on South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in the semi-final of the ongoing tournament in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
The Shepolopolo wired Madagascar 7-1 last Sunday in the last Group A fixture to top the group on seven points after thumping Malawi 6-3 in the opening group match. Zambia drew 1-1 with hosts Zimbabwe in their second group match.
The Shepolopolo, who suffered a 4 – 0 home defeat to South Africa the last time the two teams met in an international friendly match played at Nkoloma Stadium on 23 August 2014, will seek revenge to progress to the finals.
Despite facing a pacey South African side, coach Kachinga believes the Shepolopolo have what it takes to progress to the finals.
In an interview from Bulawayo, Kachinga said Zambia has a big chance of winning the COSAFA women’s championship which has been dominated by Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Kachinga said he respects the South African team as they are playing good football, the reason the Banyana Banyana have set up a semi-final date with the Shepolopolo.
He however noted that South Africa will not be able to stop Zambia from achieving their target of lifting the COSAFA women’s trophy. “We respect every team we have played against but our objective still remains the same and that is winning the title. Zambia and South Africa are both playing some wonderful football which has seen them meet in the semi-finals. However, the best team will carry the day and I am positive my girls will deliver,
“We are aware that this is a tournament that has been dominated by Zimbabwe and South Africa. But we are here to change that; the girls have shown that they mean business and want to win it this year,” Kachinga said. “I think we are the only country that has faced some very good teams. Zimbabwe, Malawi and now South Africa are very good sides. My girls have been tested and I am happy they have come out unscathed. We won’t give South Africa room to breathe because we know the threat they pose,” he added.
Meanwhile Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has predicted a tough semi-final fixture between the two bitter rivals from the COSAFA region.
Ellis however noted that she was not worried taking on a Zambian side that has scored 14 goals in three games at the tournament.
“It’s going to be a big pressure match, that’s for sure. We just need to be on top of our game if we are going to win. Doing that will help us create a whole lot of scoring opportunities early on, which will be key in seeing us settling down quite early in that match. If we execute our game plan really well, then I believe we’ll walk away as winners,” Ellis said.
