Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
BULAWAYO’s hopes of producing a new generation of women football stars have been dealt a crushing blow as Mpopoma Sports Academy, fondly known as Mposa, bows out of the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.
When Mposa entered the women’s elite league, the city celebrated. Finally, the girl child had a platform to shine, following in the footsteps of football legends like Ephraim Chawanda, Rahman Gumbo, Nehemiah Dube, Josiah Nxumalo, Thamsanqa ‘Nhloko’ Dube, Junior Makunike and the late Joshua Mhizha. In their debut season, Mposa defied expectations, climbing to sixth place on the log and sparking hopes of a lasting football legacy.
But that dream is now unraveling under the weight of financial strain. Club director James Rugwevera confirmed the collapse. “It’s time to admit that Mposa is no more. I had intended not to play in the Premiership after failing to secure funding by December 31, which had been our target,” he said.
Earlier in the year, Rugwevera considered pulling out completely. He was persuaded to continue by promises of support from individuals, some with eyes on Zifa positions. None of those pledges materialised. “A man seeking political office will promise all,” Rugwevera said, frustration heavy in his voice.
Nine months on, the club cannot cover basic costs like ground hire, referees or travel to away fixtures. Rugwevera revealed that family finances have been stretched to the limit, sparking clashes with his children over funds spent on the football project. “I’m up in arms with my kids over monies that have been used in the football project. I have reached a stage where the team has to disband,” he admitted.
The impact has been visible on the pitch. Last month, Mposa forfeited a match against Black Rhinos for lack of travel funds. Last week they were walked over by Chapungu because five players were attending the National Association of Secondary School Heads meeting. Rugwevera called it “the most painful thing that we have to bow out.”
For him, the loss goes beyond points on the table. “In eight years of Mposa’s existence we had achieved so much for the girl child and youths, taking them off the streets and fighting drug and substance abuse. Sad to throw them to the streets,” he said.
Rugwevera stressed that women’s football needs real investment, not empty promises. He also called out Bulawayo for lack of support, saying most assistance came from Harare. “Bulawayo must rise for its own,” he challenged.
The collapse leaves Highlanders Royals as the only women’s team in the Premier Soccer League from the three Matabeleland Provinces. Queen Lozikeyi and Barrow Street have faced similar struggles. Once the hub of women’s football excellence with clubs like Highlanders Royals, New Orleans and Inline Academy, Bulawayo now risks losing its place on the national map.
