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Shingai Dhlamini
IN the spirit of Women’s Month, we honour the sports icons who have made significant strides in their fields. Among them stands Nobuhle Miriam Majika, a name synonymous with determination and skill in the world of football.
Hailing from the Entumbane suburb of Bulawayo, Majika’s childhood was marked by her love for the game, often seen playing alongside boys — a choice not widely accepted for girls.
Despite a family background not rooted in football, Majika’s destiny was to etch her name in history as a celebrated footballer, representing Zimbabwe at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“Some parents do not support sports, especially football and the girl child, because of the bad things which people associate it with, but in my case, football really was a breaking point in my life.
“It was always my prayer to play internationally and given my background, I had to break the chain and become famous for something I am talented at,” said Majika.
Her prowess on the field was evident from a young age, playing on the streets with friends.
“My greatest inspiration was that I wanted to prove that a girl can also do what a boy can do, even better,” Majika asserts with confidence.
Majika’s journey is not one walked alone; her brothers, George and Moses Majika, have also made their mark in football, playing for Chicken Inn FC and Bulawayo Chiefs, respectively. While her personal life is a work in progress, her professional achievements as the national team captain are a testament to her dedication.
“I enjoyed the traveling that came with the sport and I learned a lot during those abroad trips. Besides Brazil, I also went to Scotland and Germany for a training camp which was a month long. I was the first female footballer from Bulawayo to qualify for the Afcon games and represent Zimbabwe in 2016,” Majika recounts.
The early days of her career saw support from Peter “Nsukuzonke’’ Ndlovu, who provided guidance and resources. Now, as a player/coach at Mposa Academy, Majika is a vocal advocate for the welfare of the girl child and the need for greater support for women’s football teams.
“In our country, women’s football is not highly recognised like men’s football and this is a cause for concern as women lack support and sponsorship to showcase their talent and gain recognition,” she laments.
Majika’s concerns extend to the coaching world, where female representation is scarce.
“I’m generally concerned by the number of female coaches for girls’ football; it is quite alarming that we have a few female coaches. I encourage women to take part in courses that train them to be involved in coaching, administration and management. By doing so, they help in reducing cases of abuse and empower the girl child,” she urges.
Throughout her illustrious career, Majika has rubbed shoulders with notable figures in sports, including Khama Billiat, Kuda Mahachi and international players like Zambia’s Barbra Banda and South Africa’s Amanda Dlamini. These encounters have enriched her experience and broadened her perspective on the global stage of football.
Online Reporter