The Sunday News
EVEN though football is a male dominated sport, a number of women have managed to make inroads into the most followed sport over the years in Zimbabwe.
Some have gone on to occupy very influential leadership positions in various sports establishments while others have gone into the trenches as foot soldiers. Reigning Bulawayo Social Soccer League champions Stars FC look to their own iron lady of the game to do most of the hassles associated with taking part in the league.
That woman is none other than their energetic organising secretary Linda Bhebhe who also acts as the spokesperson of the team. What is interesting to note is that she speaks the football language much better than her male colleagues who are expected to be the de facto owners of the game. Sunday Life Reporter Mandla Moyo tracked the lady down to file this report
MM: Can you briefly tell us who Linda Bhebhe is?
LB: Linda Bhebhe is a simple outgoing woman aged 26 and born in Bulawayo.
MM: When did you get involved in football?
LB: I got involved in football during the year 2016 through a friend and my first team was Iminyela Timers where I was only a spectator.
From there I got hooked after taking part in the proceedings as a cheer leader.
MM: How did you become the secretary general of Stars FC?
LB: My first time to get into the limelight was when I got a chance to showcase my MC skills during a Jemias “JC” Cheteni tournament. I then went on to become an MC for the whole social league at another tournament. After taking part in an election I was elected the secretary general of the team.
MM: Football being a contested terrain which at times makes tempers rise, cards issued among other hostile manoeuvres how have you managed to navigate your way around all that?
LB: I have learnt that football is just a sport where there are three results; win, lose or draw hence there is no need to fight one another.
MM: What qualification do you hold?
LB: I hold no football qualification, I’m only guided by my passion for the game.
MM: How do you spend your spare time?
LB: I am free on Sunday, a day on which I will be fulfilling my social soccer obligations.
MM: Which is your favourite team locally and outside?
LB: My favourite team is a social soccer team which is actually Stars FC.
MM: What are you ambitions in life?
LB: As a teacher at Mahlabezulu Primary School it is my desire to complete my Degree in English.
MM: Thank you for your time.
LB: You are welcome.
