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Tendai Rupapa
Senior Reporter
EMPOWERMENT doyen First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has described the US$320 000 Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League sponsorship deal unveiled by Prophet Walter Magaya’s Heart group of companies as a game-changer for women’s football in Zimbabwe.
The mother of the nation was invited to the handover and launch of the Heart League by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in recognition of her efforts and passion for the upliftment of women and the girl child.
She believes that women have the power to excel in all fields, including sports, and her commitment to seeing women in Zimbabwe thrive in various fields, such as soccer and all in all sports, is unwavering.
Amai Mnangagwa expressed hope that the initiative would provide the much-needed support to revitalise the women’s football league, creating a platform for female athletes to flourish and showcase their exceptional talent.
The sponsorship will cover all 16 teams in the top-tier women’s league.
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata, the First Lady said the occasion was a testament to the unwavering commitment of various stakeholders and individuals to complement the Government in fostering equality and inclusivity in all spheres of life, including the realm of sports.
“His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind is deeply engrained in this initiative. We believe that every Zimbabwean, regardless of gender, deserves equal opportunities to pursue their passions and reach their full potential,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa is deeply passionate about empowering women and girls in Zimbabwe and sees the initiative as a crucial step in that direction.
Sport, Dr Mnangagwa observed, brings societal advantages like economic empowerment, as it provides women with a career path and financial independence, contributing to their economic empowerment.
Furthermore, she said football plays a key role in promoting gender equity in sports and society as a whole.
“Overall, football offers a powerful platform for women and girls to achieve personal growth, challenge societal norms and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world. The Mighty Warriors, our national women’s football team, have consistently demonstrated the immense talent and potential of Zimbabwean women in football. Their competitive exploits on the international stage, drawing players from local teams like Black Rhinos Queens and the reigning champions, Herentals Queens, who are currently flying the Zimbabwean flag high in the CAF Women’s Champions League, are testament to their dedication and skill.
“The support shown by Prophet Magaya through his generous sponsorship is truly exemplary and should be emulated by many. This investment will play a significant role in transforming the women’s football league into a top-flight professional league, providing our female athletes with the resources and opportunities they deserve. It will also empower the girl child, inspiring a new generation of female footballers to dream big and chase their goals,” she said.
The launch of the Heart League, Dr Mnangagwa said, marks a new era for women’s football in Zimbabwe. It is, she added, a symbol of the country’s commitment to equality, inclusivity and the empowerment of female athletes.
Amai Mnangagwa gave some words of encouragement to the girls.
“Those in the football league, look after your sister. Be your sister’s keeper; we have to have unity. Copy good things from one another,” she said.
The mother of the nation cautioned against drug and substance abuse.
“If we concentrate on sport, drug and substance abuse and bullying cases will fall. Stealing and peddling falsehoods will also decline, school dropouts will also go down, as well as early pregnancies. The gap Prophet Magaya has identified has long been there and needs to be worked on. Therefore, talent identification is needed. You children who are playing football, must balance academics and sport because there is life after sport productive years. You also have to do your school and educate yourself. You must balance your life and education life so that after sport you can do so much in your life,” she said.
In his remarks, Prophet Magaya said for the remaining part of the season, he was providing a US$320 000 sponsorship package, in keeping with the First Lady’s vision of empowering the girl child.
“Our mother, the First Lady, has a vision, and we are here to support that vision of empowering the girl child. The sponsorship goes further to a tournament that will be held involving all clubs until they get a champion. Also included in the sponsorship is assistance with uniforms for training, playing and many others. At present, we are just showcasing this and the girls are wearing some of the jerseys that will be used by different clubs. We were furnished with logos for all clubs so that when they play, their colours will not clash and every team is given a home and away kit, respecting their logos and colours. There will be camps for quarterfinals, where they will be in camp for days until their final. We shall bring more sponsorship,” he said.
Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya said her ministry recognises the vital role that both boys and girls play in sports.
She commended Dr Mnangagwa’s initiatives, saying they are instrumental in fostering an environment where both boys and girls can thrive and develop.
“This evening, we shine a special light on the empowerment of the girl child and the recognition of women in sport. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is unwavering, and we reaffirm our stance through initiatives like the annual Women and Girls in Sport Festival and the Women Leadership Sport Programme. These programmes are designed to harness the potential of all our young athletes, ensuring that they have the opportunities to thrive.
“We have the privilege of celebrating remarkable achievements by our female athletes. The milestones set by our women on international stages serve as a testament to the potential that lies in investing in them. Consider the proud legacy, the first gold medal for our country was won by the women’s hockey team in 1980. The illustrious journey of our current Minister of Sport, Dr Kirsty Coventry, who has brought home the highest number of Olympic medals for Zimbabwe, underscores the capabilities of our athletes. Not to mention the groundbreaking success of the Zimbabwe women’s soccer team, which made history as the first to qualify for the Olympics in 2016. These accomplishments are proof that when we empower our female athletes, our nation reaps the benefits,” she said.
Deputy Minister Jesaya added: “Tonight, let us also celebrate the inspiring efforts spearheaded by Her Excellency, the First Lady, in empowering the girl child. Her initiatives are instrumental in fostering an environment where both girls and boys can thrive and develop into the leaders of tomorrow. As a ministry, we stand ready to align our efforts with her vision, fully recognising the transformative power of sport in improving the quality of life for all our youth.”
Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe Women Soccer League (ZWSL) chairperson Mrs Theresa Maguraushe gave a brief history of the women’s league.
“ZWSL is the topflight league in the women’s game, managing and organising a competitive platform dedicated to promoting equity, inclusion and recognition of the girl child and women in sports, which is the source for national team selection. Founded in 2010, we strive to bridge the gap in sports by providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their talents, develop their skills and become role models for young girls across the nation. Our league promotes equal opportunities, challenging traditional roles and advocating women and girl empowerment.
“With 16 teams participating in the competition, we aim to identify, nurture and celebrate the talents of young girls, providing them with chances to excel in sports and beyond. Our league creates a supportive environment where girls can develop self-belief, build confidence and pursue their dreams.”
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