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Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
EX-MIGHTY Warriors captain Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi has been honoured by the Footballers union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) following her confirmation earlier this month that she has retired from playing.
The 39-year-old’s departure draws the curtain on one of the longest and most decorated careers in local women’s football, built on goals, trophies and a national team legacy that peaked with Zimbabwe’s historic qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Muzongondi acknowledged the recognition on social media on Monday, posting a brief message that captured the emotion of the moment after years spent in the trenches of the women’s game.
“I am really grateful for the recognition. Thank you so much for this award. Much appreciation,” she wrote on her Facebook wall.
Affectionately known as “Figo” in football circles, Muzongondi is now transitioning into full time coaching after spending last season as a player coach at Black Rhinos Queens, a role that quietly signposted the direction her career was taking even before her retirement announcement.
Her decision to step aside brings an end to a run that established her as one of the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier League’s most reliable finishers, with 34 goals ensuring her name was never far from discussions around the league’s top scorers.
At club level, she won multiple league titles with Black Rhinos Queens, becoming a central figure in a team that consistently set the benchmark, and she carried that authority into the national side where she wore the captain’s armband during Zimbabwe’s biggest moments.
For the Mighty Warriors, Muzongondi’s contribution went well beyond the headlines. She formed part of the spine of a squad that pushed Zimbabwe into elite territory, including qualification for the Olympic Games and regular appearances in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
When she announced her retirement, Muzongondi chose to turn the spotlight away from herself and towards the people and institutions that shaped her journey, paying tribute to Black Rhinos Queens and the broader football community that witnessed her rise and stood by her throughout the years.
“I would like to thank Black Rhinos Queens and the football fraternity, officials, coaches, teammates, fans, media, administrators, football legends, and all staff, for the incredible support and opportunities I’ve had during my playing time,” she said.
She added: “I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, the friendships forged, and the lessons learned. Special credit goes to the Black Rhinos Queens Football Club technical team for believing in me, the national team coaches I’ve worked with, the coaches who groomed me, my teammates for being incredible partners on and off the field, the Muzongondi family, and above all, The Almighty God for guiding and protecting me throughout.”
Online Reporter