The Sunday News
Shingai Dhlamini
THE attainment of Independence opened up sporting opportunities even to the fairer sex.
This gave room to the growth of women’s soccer which over the years has seen a number of them earn a living through professional careers as coaches and footballers.
Among them is Rosemary Mugadza who comes from a footballing family whose father Patrobes was a Zimbabwe Saints member and benefactor.
Her career started in the early 1990s when she played for Zimbabwe Saints on a journey that took her to Highlanders Royals, New Orleans and Mighty Warriors.
On retirement she coached New Orleans, Mighty Warriors and Harare City.
She is among the pioneering women in coaching and the national association has had a positive stride towards women’s soccer making her national team coach for both the Mighty Warriors and the Young Mighty Warriors.
Under her leadership, Zimbabwe got shortlisted for the Caf Women National Team of the year in 2015.
The following year Zimbabwe played at the Olympics in Brazil.
After the Olympic Games a number of players got recognition, contracts and scholarships from prominent sponsors.
Mugadza said that she is grateful Haverson Masilela, Benedict Moyo and Nelson Matongerere who supported her and encouraged her to take up the responsibility of being a leader.
“I’m also grateful to my family especially my brothers and my husband for their support in my career and for always having my back always,” said Mugadza.
Her brothers Abisha, Brian, Lovejoy and Abedi all played football.
It wasn’t always rosy, working in a male dominated field as it came with its ups and downs but that did not stop the iconic star from shinning.
“People should support the ladies and invest in women’s football because once resources are channelled towards them it is not difficult for them to qualify for the Olympics even the World Cup,” she said.
Mugadza also appealed to the corporate world which she believes three quarters of it is run by women to come in numbers and sponsor the girl child from grassroots level so that they have a proper foundation.
“As women we should support one another and uplift and develop every sport code that is being undertaken by women and to give equal opportunities to the girls,” said Mugadza.
Being a Caf women’s instructor, Mugadza encourages women to be good role models, ambassadors and despite the negativity being faced they must aim to achieve their goals.
“A lot of people have contributed in my success and their advice has been a useful tool in my career and I encourage women to take every opportunity that comes their way especially the decision making positions in sports.” she said.
