Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CATHERINE GWANGWARA could have played in the CAF Women’s Champions League well before all but two of her Herentals Queens teammates.
The Vagoni Vebasa utility along with Alice Moyo and Bethel Kondo were well on course to representing Zambian giants Green Buffaloes in the 2023 edition of the continental Cosafa qualifiers.
But in an unfortunate turn of events, the trio couldn’t be retained just as the team was preparing to participate in the premium competition.
Gwangwara and Kondo went back to Faith Drive Academy while Moyo rejoined Herentals Queens which she helped defend the domestic league title.
And last year, the agile Mighty Warriors left-back starred for the Student Queens when they debuted in the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifiers in Blantyre, Malawi, helping them reach the semi-finals.
But two years after that near flirtation with the CAF Women’s Champions League, Gwangwara and Kondo will get to play in this contest after joining Zimbabwe’s representatives Herentals Queens this year.Gwangwara arrived at Vagoni Vebasa early this year while Kondo signed a six-month long loan deal a fortnight ago.
They will be on the plane to Johannesburg, South Africa for the zonal qualifier that takes place at the University of Johannesburg from August 22-31. And for Gwangwara, this is what she has always prayed for since she started her professional journey about half-a-decade ago.
Interestingly, the very team that could have afforded her and her two colleagues a first-time chance to play at this level of competition Green Buffaloes are missing out this time around after failing to qualify.
“For me, well, this is an opportunity that I always craved for. That it is coming two years after coming very close to take part in it only adds to my excitement,” said Gwangwara.
“Together with Alice (Moyo) and Bethel (Kondo), we were discussing about the prospect of playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifiers back in 2023 when we were at Green Buffaloes in Zambia.
“We had a good season there and just as the team was preparing for the zonal CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, we were told that our contracts weren’t to be renewed.
“It was a heartbreak for all of us and we had to start all over again.We never took it personal though as professionals. That’s why we never slackened in our determination and will.”
After her solid performance for Faithdrive Academy in the Women’s Premier Soccer League last term, Gwangwara was always going to attract interests from across the league.
Together with three other top teams, champions Herentals Queens bid for her signature and won.
“I also won in a way,” added Gwangwara.
“Joining a top club like Herentals Queens is what we always wish for. Herentals Queens have dominated our league over the past three seasons. And to be a part of them means a lot for me.
“And to be part of the team to play in the CAF Women’s Champions League Cosafa qualifiers means the world to me. I can’t wait to be break that ceiling. I will be part of the history. I am loving each day as we build up for the competition.”
Gwangwara has since cemented her place at Herentals Queens, playing key roles for Vagoni Vebasa in the league as they attempt to win their fourth straight top-flight title.
Herentals Queens are second on the log, with only two points separating them with leaders Chapungu Queens. Added Gwangwara; “The competition in the league is stiff. There are so many teams in the race right now. Chapungu, Herentals Queens, Platinum Royals, Correctional and Black Rhinos. “The other teams aren’t far off as well. I think we need to concentrate and focus on our own games.That way, we will have a good chance of winning the title.”
Herentals Queens are the first team from Zimbabwe to play in the CAF Women’s Champions League twice. They could have been participating for the third time this year had they not been frozen out of the 2023 edition due to Zimbabwe’s FIFA ban back then. Black Rhinos Queens were the first team from the country to take part in this competition when they participated in the inaugural instalment in 2021.
