Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE senior national women’s football team striker Rutendo Makore is on the brink of making history.
She is on the verge of being crowned the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner after netting 28 goals this season.
Madzimai, as Makore is affectionately known, is also leading the Mighty Warriors who are in camp.
Hers is no ordinary story, a career with many ups and downs. Just three seasons ago, the veteran forward had ruled herself out the game after picking a career threatening knee injury.
“I am over the moon, after picking a nasty injury I never imagined coming this far, let alone winning the golden boot challenge,” she said.
“At some point, I had to watch the game from the sidelines, it was heartbreaking to imagine that my journey was ending at a time when my mates were at their peak.” Prior to her injury, the ex-Sporting de Huelva forward made history playing alongside Felistas Muzongondi, Danai Bhobho, Emmaculate Msipa and Rudo Neshamba among others.
“For some time I had resigned to the fact that my journey was over,” she said.
“However, one of my mates Rudo Neshamba got a similar injury prior to mine, and her comeback was motivating so I told myself that I could also do it.
“Having played with her in our prime, then seeing her go down and come back, I realised that nothing could stop me too,” she said.
After a successful surgery, the prolific goal scorer had become overweight.
“I have been putting in an extra shift because I wish to surpass my previous records; I know many will argue against that based on my age but I am determined to make it happen,” she said.
“I still have memories of the 2016 Olympics, that is my career highlight and it is my wish to inspire my team to such moments once again.”
Provisional Squad
GOALKEEPERS:
Cynthia Shonga (Herentals Queens), Delight Matigwene (Chapungu Queens), Vanessa Lunga (Platinum Royals)
DEFENDERS:
Bridget Mutaurwa (Herentals Queens), Thandekile Mandaba (Correctional Queens), Nobukhosi Ncube (Chapungu Queens), Egness Tumbare (Correctional Queens), Nokukhanya Ndlovu (Platinum Royals), Fiona Kabera (Conduit Soccer Academy), Melinda Mapasure (Faithdrive Academy), Sheila Antonio (Chapungu Queens), Alice Moyo (Herentals Queens)
MIDFIELDERS:
Caroline Mangwai (Black Rhinos Queens), Daisy Kaitano (Black Rhinos Queens), Shyline Dambamuromo (Herentals Queens), Macgirl Sipini (Harare City Queens), Patience Ndlovu (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Lucia Chisvo (Black Rhinos), Bethel Kondo (Herentals Queens), Christabel Katona (Black Rhinos), Ennert Chemhere (Platinum Royals), Tasha Dube (Sheasham Queens)
FORWARDS:
Praynance Zvawanda (Herentals Queens), Thandolwenkosi Sibanda (Mpopoma Soccer Academy), Blessing Moyo (Correctional Queens), Mitchel Guri (Highlanders Royals), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos Queens), Anita Ncube (Kwekwe Queens), Ethel Chinyerere (Chapungu Queens), Priviledge Mupeti (Black Rhinos)
TECHNICAL TEAM:
Sithethelelwe Sibanda (Head Coach), Tsitsi Shiri (Assistant Coach), Onai Chingawo (Goalkeepers Coach), Primrose Serima (Fitness Coach), Margaret Maulana (Team Doctor), Kudzanayi Matavire (Physiotherapist), Petronella Mutyambizi (Safeguarding), Debra Green (Team Manager)
