Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
GETTY Queens, one of only four Eastern Region Division One teams to reach the Munhumutapa Cup Round of 32, will be looking to continue their impressive cup run when they take on Southern Region Division One side Las Palmas next month.
The Women’s Round of 32 fixtures are scheduled to be played between August 7 and 9, with the venue for the encounter set to be announced by the organisers.
Getty Queens chairman, Dambudzo “Commander” August, expressed confidence ahead of the tie, saying the team is determined to make full use of home advantage.
“We have been drawn against Las Palmas from the Southern Region Division One League, and we are expecting to play at home. We are confident of getting a positive result, especially with the support of our fans, who will be our 12th player. The team is highly motivated and determined to progress to the next round,” he said.
Beyond football, August said the club remains committed to empowering the girl child and using sport as a vehicle for social and economic transformation.
“Since its formation, Getty Queens has been dedicated to helping young girls realise their potential and avoid social challenges such as early marriages, gender-based violence and drug abuse. Our director, Honourable Gertrude Mutandi, has played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for these girls through vocational and life-skills training programmes.
“To date, eight players have benefited from vocational skills training, while six have undergone youth service training through the Ministry of Youth with assistance from Mutare youth officer, Judith Mabvira, who has been a strong advocate for girls’ development through sport,” said August. Getty Queens are enjoying a promising maiden campaign in the Eastern Region Women’s Division One League, having affiliated to the league for the first time this season.
The side opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Sheckon Queens before narrowly losing 1-2 to Eastview Queens, with captain, Shantel “Mazolo” Pukai scoring the club’s first-ever league goal.
The team has since bounced back impressively and currently sits third on the 10-team league table. A standout performance came against Maningi FC, where Getty Queens stormed to a 4-0 victory. Christabel Chinyowa was the star of the show, netting a hat-trick to emerge as the league’s second-highest scorer, while Pukai added the fourth goal.
Goalkeeper, Ashley Mutsigiri has also been one of the team’s standout performers, keeping two clean sheets and earning recognition as one of the league’s best goalkeepers so far this season.
Under the leadership of team manager, Sthembile Kupangwa, head coach, Simbarashe Kasai, assistant coach, William Rufudza, and chairman, Dambudzo August, Getty Queens continue to make strides both on and off the field, combining competitive football with a strong commitment to girl-child empowerment.
The club will now be hoping to translate its encouraging league form into success in the Munhumutapa Cup as it seeks a place in the last 16.
Munhumutapa Cup Round of 32 Fixtures:
Scottland Queens v CAPS United Royals; Black Rhinos Queens v Waverley Queens; Kwekwe Queens v Shedza Queens; Highlanders Royals v Black Mambas Queens; Getty Queens v Las Palmas; Mutare City v Harare City Queens; Herentals Kwekwe Queens v Mpopoma; Mposa v Faith Drive Academy; Gwelo Rangers Royal Academy v Hardrock Queens; Queen Lozikeyi v FC Platinum Royals; Red Buffaloes v Correctional Queens; Herentals Queens v Conduit; Cranborne Royals v Chapungu Queens; Chegutu Community Queens (Bye); Rufaro Starlets v Herentals Junior Queens; Manhingi v Ngezi Platinum Stars Queens.
