Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE story of Rutendo Makore is that of a Mighty Warrior who has never lost her magical goal scoring boots. Introduced to the women’s national football team in 2010, she developed a reputation over the years for scoring with ease. And at a time when many expected her to be slowing down or considering retirement, the striker continues to deliver blistering performances, proving she has lost none of her instinct.
At the ongoing Cosafa Cup, she has scored two of the Mighty Warriors’ three crucial goals — against Eswatini and Botswana respectively. In both matches, she came off the bench to change the complexion of the game, helping Zimbabwe secure 2-0 and 1-0 victories.
In fact, “Madzimai”, as she is affectionately known, has shown once more that she remains the team’s go to player in difficult moments.
“It feels good to still be able to score goals and help my team win at this stage. I have been here for long and when as a player you can still play such a role for your team and the nation then you ought to give praise to God for guiding you,” she said.
Makore’s latest contributions have not surprised any of the 11 nations competing at the Cosafa Cup in Polokwane. She is a familiar name at the tournament, having won the Golden Boot in 2017, and even before then, she featured prominently on lists of the region’s top goal poachers.
Her journey, however, has not been without setbacks. After 2017, she took a sabbatical following a career-threatening injury.
But the resilient striker scripted a remarkable comeback story — one of courage in adversity. Four years ago, she believed her football career was over after a serious knee injury. Watching teammates such as Felistas Muzongondi and Rudo Neshamba from the sidelines fuelled her determination to return.
This required raising funds for corrective surgery.
“I had come to terms with the situation, I told myself that my football journey was over,” she said.
Yet after seeing a teammate recover from a similar injury, Makore drew inspiration and decided she too could make it back.
With help eventually coming through, she underwent surgery — but another challenge awaited. She had gained weight, and her coaches insisted she undergo intense fitness and weight loss training to be ready for competitive action again.
“I had to go on an aggressive weight loss and fitness journey, and it had to be one of the most challenging times I have gone through in my football journey. For months I toiled but I vowed to never give up and my support system also stayed on toes to ensure I am back on the pitch,” she said.
By 2024, Makore was back in action at Black Rhinos Queens. A year later, she was crowned the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner with 28 goals.
Entering the New Year, expectations were high — and she has not disappointed. Even before the domestic league kicks off, Makore is already leading from the front, guiding Zimbabwe into the Cosafa Cup semi finals.
“I have been putting in an extra shift to stay fit; I know there are mixed reactions out there based on my age but when I still can, I will. Now the squad is largely made up of youngsters and I believe giving them inspiration is part of my role,” she said.
Makore is expected to feature prominently when Zimbabwe face South Africa in the semi-final at New Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow.
Zimbabwe secured their semi-final berth after finishing second in Group B behind Zambia — both on seven points, but separated by goal difference. The Mighty Warriors progressed as the best runners-up across all groups.
