The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
PREPARATIONS for the 2017 Council of Southern African Football Associations’ Women Championships are on course with a delegation that was in Zimbabwe expressing satisfaction with the country’s readiness to host the event.
Cosafa secretary-general Sue Destombes, assistant secretary general, Suzo Nyirenda and Fifa refereeing instructor, Felix Tangawarima were in the country to assess the state of preparedness to host the games that will run from 13 to 24 September.
Speaking at a Press conference yesterday morning, Destombes said they were satisfied with the games venues and expressed confidence that the local organising committee will come up with proper training venues for the teams.
Barbourfields and Luveve stadia have been earmarked to host the 12-team tourney.
Destombes revealed that the Bulawayo City Council quickly went to work to rectify concerns raised over the goalposts and the penalty spot at Luveve.
“We observed some irregularity with the goalposts and penalty spot and we informed the owners of the stadium, the Bulawayo City Council and I am glad they are at the pitch right now quickly attending to the problems.
“In terms of accommodation, I would say we are impressed we did not know Bulawayo is hiding a lot of beautiful places to stay.
“There are exceptional lodges that we did not know exist,” she said.
The council was requested to replace the current goalposts with those made of aluminum while the penalty spot should be levelled.
Countries set to take part in the competition include Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and the hosts Zimbabwe.
LOC chairperson Omega Sibanda said they were appealing to people to come in their numbers to cheer on the ladies when the tournament begins.
LOC general manager Piraishe Mabhena, said they were still to decide whether to charge entrance fees but considering previous tournaments did not have such charges they are unlikely to adopt them.
He was, however, quick to say financial factors are likely to affect their decision.
Zimbabwe Women Football vice-chairlady, Samukeliso Silengane said they will provide all the necessary material for the Mighty Warriors to emerge victorious at the tourney.
