Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CHAPUNGU Queens have been making waves in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League and this is largely due to the exploits of their deadly attacking trio of Ethel Chinyerere, veteran Rudo Neshamba and Dorothy Nyoni.
Dubbed CNN off the initials of their surnames, this formidable trio has been directly involved in 46 of Chapungu’s 48 goals, catapulting the team to the top of the log table with 33 points in 12 games.
And it is because of “CNN” that there is so much belief in the Chapungu Queens dressing room that 2025 could be the year they will reach the Promised Land.
Chinyerere was the 2022 ZWPSL Golden Boot winner and has been in peak form again this term, contributing significantly to Chapungu’s goal tally.
The 29-year-old striker with several accolades to her name, looks to help Chapungu cross the line.
Seemingly ageless ex-Mighty Warriors forward Neshamba is endowed with vast experience in domestic and international competitions.
She has been an influential figure on and off the field, guiding the younger players given her role as both a player and coach.
At 23, Nyoni is the youngest of the trio but has been rapidly establishing herself as a key figure for both club and country.
It is her combination with Chinyerere and Neshamba, which has caught the eye and has been the reason behind Chapungu’s success to date.
Although Chapungu have done well in the past three seasons, they have fallen short at the last hurdle.
Club secretary Talent Chitsaka, however, feels they have the pedigree to keep pace with the chasing pack this season.
“This is work in progress but so far so good,” Chitsaka said.
“We have done well in the past three seasons, so this time we are aiming higher . . . we need to challenge for honours.”
The trio of CNN, she said, have not only captivated fans but also heightened the anticipation surrounding their upcoming matches.
Their collective performance has sparked discussions about whether perennial champions Herentals will face a genuine challenge this season, as the chemistry among the players is palpable and plays a crucial role in their effectiveness on the pitch.
This has not only enhanced her performance but has also elevated the overall play of the team, allowing them to execute crucial moves with precision and confidence.
“The trio has played a crucial role in our current standing and generally, based on our work ethic and club projections we are in the right direction,” added Chitsaka.
“The feeling in the dressing room is that of sheer dedication and total commitment towards getting better with each passing game to maintain the top spot.
“This can only be achieved with the requisite mental and physical input which I believe the trio has played a key role in ensuring that we have.”
As Chinyerere and Nyoni continue to develop their skills and gain recognition, they are contributing to a growing reputation for Chapungu as a formidable force in the league.
Their combined efforts reflect a promising future for the club, as they seek to assert their dominance in the elite league.
Resultantly, the excitement is not just about their current achievements but also the potential they hold for the future.
The 2024 Heart Cup Player of the Tournament Chinyerere lauded Neshamba for positively impacting her career.
“Everything is a surprise, I never pictured things penning out this way,” Chinyerere said.
“My life is basically all about football and when I finally got the chance to play alongside a veteran like Neshamba, for me it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn.
“She is a natural leader she may not be aware of but I have followed every detail about her play since the day she came to Chapungu and I am happy that results are showing.”
That Chinyerere and Nyoni found their mojo at a time when Neshamba also rediscovered her scoring form since coming back from a lengthy injury underscores their telepathy.
Neshamba, however, refuses to take all the credit. Instead, she heaped praises on her teammates for helping her navigate a difficult season plagued by injury.
“I am grateful for how things have unfolded this season especially considering how my 2024 was like,” said Neshamba.
“It was not easy to recover from yet another injury, mentally it is taxing but I give credit to my team because they were with me throughout my recovery.
“They made everything look easy and my form today is a clear reflection of Chapungu Queens and the oneness that we share, we fall and rise as a team.”
