Raymond Jaravaza, Sports Correspondent
AN impressive 23 500 supporters thronged Barbourfields Stadium to rally behind the Mighty Warriors’ final match of the Cosafa Women’s Championship against South Africa last week.

Despite losing 1-2 to South Africa, local fans repaid Zifa’s faith in bringing the revised 12-team tournament to Bulawayo by cheering the Mighty Warriors in their numbers.

On the opening day of the tourney on September 13, 6 500 fans watched the three matches played at Barbourfields while 3 000 supporters made their way to the other venue — Luveve Stadium.

By the time the Mighty Warriors played Kenya in the semi-finals on September 21, attendance had swelled to a massive 15 000 spectators.

“Fans were a key component to the resounding success of the tournament, you could see that they had an influence on the level of competition witnessed, urging on several teams that also took part in the tournament.

“When the Mighty Warriors were not in action, fans adopted other teams, just to make sure they maintained an electric environment.

“Most importantly, our supporters showed us that women football has the potential to draw huge crowds because it is surely entertaining and competitive.

“The sight at the stadia showed everyone that Zimbabwe is a good host, a place where football is the people’s sport,” said local organising chairperson Omega Sibanda said.

Entry in Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums was free.  — @RaymondJaravaza