Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ASHLEY Miller and Vimbai Maisvoreva have been hailed for flying the Zimbabwean girl child’s flag high, after qualifying for the World Athletics Championships set for Tokyo, Japan, from September 13 to 21.
Miller, a 400m hurdler and Maisvoreva, who runs the 400m flat, will represent the country at the global stage in a rare double qualification for Zimbabwean women. Their breakthrough has been celebrated as more than personal triumph, it is being framed as a powerful symbol for women in sport.
Nozibelo Maphosa, one of the pioneering women in football club management, called their achievement a milestone.
“Their qualification to the World Athletics Championships is a significant milestone for Zimbabwean women’s sports. The achievement will have a profound impact on the development of women’s sports in the country, inspiring young girls to pursue athletic careers, and it will also give more attention to women’s sporting activities,” said Maphosa, who stepped down as Highlanders spokesperson last month.
Lwazi Mbowa, women’s empowerment activist and founder of Miss Big Matofotofo, echoed that sentiment.
“Sport is now beyond recreation and wellness, it is a fulltime career to be pursued as one explores her God-given talent. This should give the other girls courage, that there are so many other things beyond academics they can do.
“They are role models to millions of other girls and women back home, we are so happy and wish them all the success at the Championships. We will be following and cheering them up,” said Mbowa.
For Vimbai Mungofa, who worked with the African Union Sports Union Games in 2014, the significance lies in exposure.
“It’s congratulations to them. Their exposure will bode well for Zimbabwe women’s sport,” she said.
Nothando Ndlovu, a former footballer, who also played rugby and is now a coach and referee, highlighted how the qualification offers a safe path for girls in society.
“They are now role models in Zimbabwe, helping girls find sport as a safe space. It keeps them away from gender based violence as well as drug and substance abuse. It opens doors in education through scholarships,” Ndlovu said.
“Active sporting girls stay away from teenage and adolescent sex. It will also create confidence in aspiring female athletes and they will live healthier lifestyles,” she added from Harare.
Veteran journalist Robin Muchetu, who has long championed women’s sport, described the qualification as a boost to confidence across disciplines.
“The qualification of Vimbai Maisvoreva and Ashley Miller for the World Athletics Championships is a significant milestone for women’s sport in Zimbabwe.
“This achievement will likely have a profound impact on the development of women’s sports and inspire young girls to pursue careers in athletics. Confidence in women in sport will grow, not only for athletics but other disciplines. It also motivates sponsors to support women in sport as they have living proof of the capacity and capabilities of them,” said Muchetu.
Ntombi Mangethe, who runs a cricket academy in Bulawayo, stressed the potential ripple effect.
Nothando Ndlovu
“Their participation in the World Athletics Championships will bring attention to Zimbabwean women’s athletics, potentially attracting more fans and sponsors. Maisvoreva and Miller’s achievement will serve as a role model for young girls, encouraging them to take up sports and pursue their dreams,” Mangethe said.
For years, Zimbabwe often managed just one female representative at the World Championships. This time, with both Miller and Maisvoreva stepping onto the track, the stereotype is broken. Their success signals that women’s athletics is on the rise and the nation is ready to rally behind them.
Bongani Ndlovu