Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) is advocating for partnerships with men’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs to help bridge the financial and infrastructural gaps that have hindered the growth of the women’s game for years.
The initiative, led by ZWPSL chairperson Chido Chizondo, aims to bring professionalism and stability to women’s football, which has long struggled with underfunding, inadequate facilities, and limited recognition.
Many ZWPSL teams play on community grounds with uneven turf and no dressing rooms. Some venues—such as Wagadhugu, Vengere, and One Commando—have become virtually unplayable due to neglect. For players, match days often mean travelling in broken-down buses or open trucks, with no medical support in case of emergencies.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi recently acknowledged the dire state of women’s football in Zimbabwe.
“The lack of proper pitches, footballs, and even match day resources is crippling the league,” he said.
Unlike their male counterparts, most women’s teams do not offer standard player contracts, leaving athletes vulnerable to exploitation and often playing for little or no remuneration.
In contrast, the men’s PSL has successfully attracted sponsorship—particularly from Delta Corporation—and has established professionalism through structured contracts and improved facilities.
Chizondo believes aligning the women’s league with established PSL clubs could help close the gap.
“Whilst it is not mandatory for clubs to have teams in the ZWPSL, partnerships of this nature can greatly contribute to the development of women’s teams. It is our wish to have PSL clubs adopt ZWPSL clubs. Every PSL club would have a female side under their wing. If the men’s team uses Stadium A, the women’s side would also play there, and on match days, women’s games could be curtain raisers.
“By playing more of an understudy role, women’s teams can learn a lot from how the men run their operations and gradually professionalise as well.”
A previous attempt to establish such partnerships collapsed after resistance from some men’s clubs, who cited superstitious fears that curtain-raiser matches could bring bad luck to their teams.
Nevertheless, a few clubs—such as Platinum Royals and Chapungu—have successfully shared resources with their male counterparts. For most, however, the gap remains significant.
Chizondo said finance, infrastructure, and lack of support remain the biggest challenges. But she believes collaboration between the two leagues could foster a fairer and more balanced football environment.
“The aim is to advocate for FIFA’s club licensing among teams in the PSL while exploring ways to meet these requirements without significant investment. Remember, FIFA now requires all elite clubs to have a women’s side.
Too often, clubs rush to assemble makeshift teams just to meet CAF or FIFA requirements when competing in continental tournaments. Instead of treating it as a box-ticking exercise, we must use it to grow the women’s game,” she explained.
She added that adopting international standards would not only protect players but also enhance the professionalism of the entire league.
Partnerships would also allow for resource pooling—from equipment to medical support—making it easier for women’s teams to operate on limited budgets.
“Men’s clubs have the potential to become role models, inspiring more investment and interest in women’s teams.
The shared commitment can reshape football in Zimbabwe, ensuring that women’s sports receive the attention and investment they deserve,” Chizondo said.
