marble nkomo
Veronica Gwaze
ZIMBABWE Women’s Premier Soccer League initially scheduled to kick-off on April 5, 2026 has been moved to the 25th.
The adjustment is meant to allow for the completion of the ongoing club licensing processes as the league seeks to restore integrity in the domestic women’s game.
Last month, women’s clubs participated at the Zifa Women’s Club Licensing Regulations Workshop which was set up by the local football governing body.
This was meant to ensure compliance with club licensing requirements and promote the development of women’s football.
And the symposium informed the decision by the authorities to postpone league resumption to allow for clubs to meet minimum requirements of the licensing regulations.
“We are fully committed to make sure that clubs meet the minimum requirements of Club Licensing regulations to avoid walkovers and other challenges that we can avoid,” said ZWPSL.
Since Zimbabwe started implementing the requirements of the Fifa-initiated Club Licensing, strides have been made in the men and women’s local game.
With the women’s premiership having experienced some challenges before, implementing Club Licensing regulations is expected to pluck some of them.
In the past two seasons, unfulfilled fixtures, mostly due to clubs’ incapacity during the course of the season have rocked the league while player movements have also presented a share of challenges.
Last year, Maningi Queens withdrew from the league citing financial constraints, before Red Buffalos also missed some fixtures for the same reasons.
The previous year, Masvingo’s Shine-Shine had to drop out of the campaign due to financial and other challenges.
However, with club licensing regulations, some of these challenges can be eased.
“We are determined to make sure that Club Licensing is enforced so we can avoid unfulfilled matches and other problems,” said ZWPSL.
“During our recent meetings, we discussed with all the clubs and we agreed that the Club Licensing regulations will be enforced without bias.
“It is part of efforts to try and professionalise the league and create a better image for our game.
“We are not saying things have been bad, but whenever one gets into any office, you are obliged to set targets for yourselves and improve areas that need attention while also ensuring that you enhance the organization’s growth.”
Some of the challenges that league has faced over the years include not being taken seriously and not receiving financial support and otherwise. However, with the coming in of the new Zifa and ZWPSL executives, there has been some notable improvements.
Now the honors is on the Chido Chizondo led executive to work round the clock to improve the league’s image and attract meaningful sponsorship.
Online Reporter