Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN the world of Zimbabwean women’s football, one name stands tall – that of veteran striker Rutendo Makore.
A seemingly ageless forward who has given all for her country, Makore remains a vital cog in the Mighty Warriors ensemble.
Those that have followed her exploits believe she may just be what the doctor ordered for Zimbabwe as the Mighty Warriors seek to reassert themselves at the COSAFA Senior Women’s Championship.
The tournament has been scheduled for South Africa from February 18 to March 1 in South Africa.
Coach Sithethelilwe “Kwinji 15’’ Sibanda has named a provisional squad which blends youth and experience and is expected to go into camp tomorrow.
And there is no doubting that Black Rhinos forward Makore is the epitome of resilience, determination, and passion in that squad.
Sibanda also acknowledges as much insisting that Makore’s vast experience is needed to guide a team that has a number of upstarts including those emerging from academies.
“Makore is a great player, her command on and off the ball is important for the team.
“I am not saying she is guaranteed of a position on the team, she has to work for it and for years, she has proved to be a hardworking and disciplined player,” Sibanda says.
For a Mighty Warriors side that has fallen short in the semi-finals on countless occasions in this regional tournament, Makore’s killer instincts could be what the coach needs.
In fact, that she is perhaps the most notable survivor of the Mighty Warriors squad who did duty for Zimbabwe at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, is no surprise.
A section of women’s football enthusiasts opine that it is time for her to retire from international football.
Yet based on her most recent record, Makore’s presence is evidently needed in the team as she brings seniority and experience and a sharp eye for goal.
“Madzimai”, as she is affectionately known, is one of the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League’s most valuable assets.
A decade ago, she was on the women’s senior team, making impact in Brazil when they made their maiden appearance at the Olympics.
At that time, Makore together with her mates Rudo Neshamba, Marjory Nyaumwe and Felistus Muzongondi were on the peak, netting goals for fun in various competitions.
Ten years later, at a time when she is expected to slow down, Makore is still banging them in and fired 28 goals in the ZWPSL last season.
“I really don’t know how I achieved that record, not that I doubted myself, but as a player at times you reflect so, knowing were I am coming from, I was not expecting such a bounce back this soon,” she said.
“I have to thank my coaches for the feat, they held my hand through the comeback journey, I believe they saw something that I had not seen in myself.
“Now here I am, expected to tap into my experience to lead the Mighty Warriors . . . experience is the best teacher, the journey has been full of lessons that can be valuable to fellow players.”
Makore’s tale 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.
Punctuated by lack of funds, her journey to the full fitness was not easy and she was on the brink of retirement.
But as Makore steps onto the pitch in the Mighty Warriors latest attempt for the COSAFA Cup title, her eyes are fixed on one goal – victory.
Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and passion.
“I am over the moon, after picking a nasty injury I never imagined coming this far, let alone winning the golden boot challenge, it feels like a huge miracle,” she said.
The ex-Sporting de Huelva forward is an inspiration to young girls and women in Zimbabwe, proving that with grit and perseverance, anything is possible.
And the Mighty Warriors are counting on Makore’s experience and firepower to bring home the COSAFA trophy and on her part the seasoned forward who has also played in Europe is ready to unleash her magic and lead Zimbabwe to glory.
