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Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
MOURNERS braved the light drizzle and chill yesterday morning to lay to rest football administrator Cecilia Malunga, who has been hailed for her immense contribution to the growth of women’s football in the country.
She was buried at Lady Stanley cemetery.
Malunga (73), succumbed to a short illness last Thursday.
Hailed as the beacon of sport leadership, Malunga exuded a rare character in championing the right of the girl child to be afforded equal opportunities in football.
Veteran administrator Susan Chibizhe who worked with the late for years described Malunga as a strong woman who did not back down from any challenge.
“She was a strong woman and founding member of women’s football, especially the Mighty Warriors. She was a pillar in women’s football particularly in the Southern Region. She would book players at her house and buy them some goodies.
She would sacrifice her money just to assist players which goes on to show her commitment to football,” said Chibizhe.
Sibekiwe Ndlovu, who was representing Zimbabwe Women Football said: “Women’s football has lost a mother figure, she was one of the experienced administrators that the young ones would turn to for advice.
She is one of the people that we were planning to incorporate in women football to play the ‘aunt’ since these days we have noticed that sexual abuse is rising in women football.”
Former Zimbabwe Women Soccer League (ZWSL) vice-chairperson Samkeliso Silengane said Malunga’s death was a big loss to the football fraternity.
“This is a big loss because a few women have the courage to participate in football. She was not only involved in women’s football but men’s football as well.
Her house was home to many female footballers whom she would gladly accommodate. The likes of Cuthbert Malajila and Givemore Manuela once stayed at her place. She is responsible for the growth of many people in football, me included. This really is a big loss,” said Silengane.
Football administrator Fungai Nyamutukwa-Mpfeka said: “Her death is a big loss because many of us are who we are because of her. She groomed some of us from the time we were at school up to now.
She was a blessing from God and l am happy l got an opportunity to work with her. She was a motherly figure who accepted everyone without judging where they come from.”
Elizabeth Langa, who also worked with Malunga had nothing but praise for the departed football administrator.
“She was dedicated to football and was loving. This is a big loss for local football.”
Malunga has occupied different administrative posts in football since forming her own football team, Sizimisele in 1995 in Lobengula West and then she was voted into office as treasurer of Women Football Bulawayo Province and later moved a rung higher to the regional structures assuming a similar post.
She later moved to Highlanders Royal Queens where she was the chairlady.
Malunga was appointed to an interim committee that ran Sports and Recreation Commission affairs for a year in 2004 after allegations of impropriety against the then board.
After completing her tenure, she returned to Royal Queens in 2006 until the dissolution of the team before she assumed the ZWF vice-chairperson portfolio in 2010.
Amongst those at the send-off were Zifa interim president Gift Banda, PSL chief executive officer Kennedy Ndebele, former Zifa CEO Jonathan Mashingaidze, the Highlanders FC executive and many others from the football community. – @innocentskizoe
Online Reporter