Online Reporter
Trust Khosa-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior women’s football coach, Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda, has challenged young girls to seize every opportunity that comes their way and give their all whenever they step onto the field.
The Mighty Warriors mentor said women’s football has evolved into a lucrative profession compared to her playing days, when representing the nation was largely driven by passion and national pride.
Reflecting on the state of women’s football in Zimbabwe, Sibanda lamented the absence of a sponsored league, but urged aspiring players to remain focused, resilient, and determined in their pursuit of success.
“When we played, it was for national pride, with little or no remuneration,” she recalled.
“Things have changed now because whenever you play at a tournament, there are international scouts watching. The girls should always perform at their best to attract scouts and secure opportunities to play in more developed leagues, earn money, and improve their lives.
“We have a lot of girls and women playing football, but we are still operating at an amateur level because our leagues remain unsponsored from the grassroots right up to the top.”
As a seasoned coach and the first female holder of a CAF A Licence in Zimbabwe, “Kwinji 15” said her heart still bleeds for players in marginalised areas, although there are signs that their situation could improve.
“It’s sad that everything happens in the big cities, but we need programmes that reach everyone so that we can tap into the talent in those areas.
“At the moment, I am very excited about the recently introduced BancABC Roots Impact Tournament. If it is implemented successfully, it will cover those marginalised areas.
“There should also be proper performance tracking of players and maximum participation by junior provincial teams, regional teams, and national teams,” she said.
Commenting on the performances of the Mighty Warriors in recent months, “Kwinji 15” was candid:
“It has been a 50-50 situation. Everyone is giving their best. These performances can be improved through consistency in our leagues, adequate preparation time for national teams, and greater exposure through regular training camps and friendly matches.
“Above all, if our leagues are sponsored, they will become more competitive. Right now, they look more like social games, with little motivation for players to really push themselves. There is also a need for greater capacitation of coaches in women’s football.”
With drug and substance abuse affecting many sectors, including sport, “Kwinji 15” revealed that she was doing her best to protect athletes from what she described as a growing cancer.
“This is something that is killing the game for both boys and girls. It is everyone’s duty to educate players about the effects of drug abuse and how it can destroy their careers.
“It is a terrible cancer that has severely affected our game. Within clubs, there is a need for constant reminders. Personally, whenever I get an opportunity to interact with a group of female players, this is one of the first issues I raise because it has already caused significant damage and will continue destroying our game if ignored,” she said.
She also urged girls and women in football to report any cases of sexual harassment.
“This is a difficult issue because we often only hear about such incidents after they happen. All I can do is encourage girls to be open and make use of safeguarding officers if they feel their rights have been violated in any way.
“They should report such cases and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.”
“Kwinji 15”, made a name for herself while playing for Bulawayo’s New Orleans team.
