THE Mighty Warriors are basking in glory after booking a ticket to the 2016 AFWCON finals at the expense of bogey northern neighbours Zambia who they hammered 3-2 in their own backyard last Sunday.

The achievement came barely six months after the Mighty Warriors made history by qualifying for the Olympic Games ahead of African giants Cameroon.

Langton Nyakwenda spoke to some of the players about the Nations Cup qualification and the Olympic Games draw conducted last Thursday.

The Mighty Warriors were pooled in Group F alongside world heavyweights Germany, Canada and Australia. Here is what they had to say.

Kudakwashe Basopo, striker

“We are a determined group of Mighty Warriors, our aim is to break records. We want to put Zimbabwe on the world map and to do that, we have to overcome the best.

“I promise more goals at the Olympic Games, we can surprise the world. I will keep on perfecting my scoring technique.

“I am getting tips from some of the male soccer players I usually hang around with, especially Roderick Mutuma of Dynamos.

Immaculate Msipa, central midfielder

“We are not going to the Olympic Games to make up numbers, we have a special fighting spirit within us and I know we can pull off some good results.

“I think we got a fair draw, we will die on the pitch if necessary, we will show the highly fancied Germans that we are strong African girls.

“Our task has always been to raise the nation’s flag high so that Zimbabwe becomes a country that is recognized worldwide in terms of women’s soccer.

Felistus Muzogondi, winger

“Our coaches have always encouraged us to play with a fighting spirit even when there is no money and that is the same attitude we will take to both the Olympics and Nations Cup finals.

“We are doing this for the nation so that people out there will appreciate the girl child.

Nobuhle Majika, centre back

“We have to remain disciplined and train hard ahead of the Olympic Games because in Brazil we will play some of the best nations in the world.

“This is the fourth time for the Mighty Warriors to qualify for the Nations Cup but for this current group of players, it is the first time.

“In a space of six months, we have qualified for two big tournaments so this should be testimony of our total commitment to national duty.

Lynette Mutokuto, central defender

“I have been playing this game for quite a long time now and I always dreamt about this moment. Qualifying for both the African Women’s Cup of Nations finals and the Olympic Games is no mean feat.

“I am proud of the girls, they are super girls and as a senior player, my other role has been to help new players ease into the system.

Daisy Kaitano, defensive linkman

“We will try our best even against the world’s best because this is the opportunity we have been waiting for all along.

“Personally, if I am given the chance to play at the Olympics, I am sure I will impress the scouts and earn a lucrative deal abroad.

“I have been learning a lot from Warriors defensive linkman Willard Katsande. I follow his play and I can see that there are certain aspects of my game that have improved.

Sheila Makoto, left back

“I am over the moon, just playing at the Olympics is an achievement on its own but that doesn’t mean we will be there as place holders, no.

“If we get the proper support from all Zimbabweans I am sure we will cause problems in Brazil.

Patience Mujuru, right back

“In football, exposure is key and I see the Olympic Games as a perfect opportunity to market ourselves