Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Winnie Mapuwa became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier when her 33rd-minute strike gave Herentals Queens a 1-0 victory over Lesotho Defence Force at Gaborone Stadium on Monday.
Mapuwa, who turned 14 last month, marked her first start at the tournament by controlling the ball under pressure before steering it into the far corner.
Coach Simba Dedza handed the Herentals College pupil a place on the right-flank after his side’s elimination had already been confirmed.
Mapuwa was no stranger to regional football. She scored four goals for Zimbabwe in a 12-2 victory over Lesotho at last year’s COSAFA Girls Under-17 Championship and has also been playing in the ZIFA BancABC schools tournament.
“I am happy we managed to finally win a game at the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifying tournament, although it was too little, too late,” said Mapuwa.
“This was my first tournament, and I am really excited to have participated in it. To score in my first start means the world to me.
“I am disappointed that Herentals Queens are out of contention for a place at the final tournament, which was our objective when we came here.
“But it is an honour to have come here and left a lasting impression. It is a proud moment for me.”
Mapuwa also thanked club founder Innocent Benza for supporting her education and football career and recommending that Herentals sign her.
Herentals had already been eliminated following a 5-2 defeat by ZESCO Ndola Girls and a 1-0 loss to hosts Gaborone United.
