The Sunday News
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
WOMEN football in Bulawayo could receive a new lease of life following a decision by Zifa to reawaken regional leagues through providing equipment and funding.
Bulawayo used to be the bedrock of women football in its early days in the 90s with teams such as New Orleans, Highlanders Royals emerging to produce talented players such as Rosemary Mugadza, Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo, Mighty Warriors coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, Precious Mpala, Ruth Banda and Fungai Nyamutukwa among others who went on to dominate national squad.
However, there has been a turn in the tide with the province struggling to produce more talent as teams struggled to survive in harsh economic conditions while institution-funded teams have emerged in Harare to dominate the women’s football landscape.
Bulawayo has turned into a pale shadow of its former self in producing talent and it is hoped the reignition of funded regional leagues will see new talent emerging.
Zifa announced that equipment that will be used by teams playing in the regional leagues has already been handed over to the respective regions as part of efforts to revive the women’s game at grassroots level.
The association will pick up the referees and transport bills.
Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede expressed delight over the revival of the four regional leagues saying they will play a big role in developing a wider talent pool to fill in the Mighty Warriors.
“It’s an exciting development because we are bringing the game closer to the girl child. The Mighty Warriors have brought us so much joy over the years and with the resuscitation of the regional leagues we will create a bigger pool for the national team coaches to choose from.”
Mutekede also revealed that the girls Under-15 league will also come into life this year while sponsors are being courted to come and support the women’s elite league.
In a statement the executive committee said major strides will be made to make sure women’s football is given the prominence it deserves.
“Women’s football is something we take very seriously and the association plans to employ a dedicated women’s football officer to support the cause, we remain committed to the girl child and will in 2020 endeavour to show and demonstrate that both genders are critically important in football development. Administrators will be sharpened through courses so that women’s football develops to another level,” reads part of the statement.
