Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST like fine wine, Marjory Nyaumwe seems to be aging well, with the 38-year-old currently one of the oldest players in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.
At an age when she is expected to be slowing down, the Mighty Warrior is simply becoming better, similar to how fine wine develops more complex flavours and characteristics as it matures.
The veteran striker was crowned Player of the Tournament at the just-ended Southern African Development Community, Corrections, Prisons and Penitentiary Services Sports and Cultural Games in Namibia.
Zimbabwe women’s prison side, Correctional Queens, stormed to a resounding 10–0 victory over South Africa in the final, bagging gold.
ZPCS’ netball, chess, golf men and women, pool teams all collected gold while Caroline Mhandu was the biggest winner in athletics with three gold medals in different races.
Nyaumwe, who continues to defy expectations on the pitch, netted four of Zimbabwe’s 10 goals in the final showdown before she was eventually crowned for her exploits throughout the regional tourney.
Yet, at a time when she would ordinarily be basking in the well-deserved glory, Nyaumwe remains humble, choosing a quiet demeanour over public adulation.
“I did not really expect this achievement, it came as a surprise but as someone who gives her all whenever I step on the pitch, I believe it is one of the rewards,” she said.
“It feels great to raise the national flag like this, but I still have a career ahead to focus on and there is no time to celebrate.”
This is not the first time that Nyaumwe walks off the regional Prisons’ games podium with her shoulders high.
In 2023, she was also crowned the Top Goal Scorer of the tournament when it was held in South Africa, after scoring 11 goals.
That same year, the prolific Correctional Queens forward was crowned the club’s Top Goal Scorer with an impressive 32 goals.
Her remarkable scoring feat was pivotal in her side securing a fourth-place finish in the league behind Herentals Queens, Black Rhinos and Chapungu.
A dedicated prison officer, Nyaumwe has also been the cornerstone for Correctional Queens since 2013.
She has been the leading light in a team that also boasts seemingly ageless and experienced keeper Chido Dzingirai, centre-back Egness Tumbare, Ashley Mutonga, Jesca Mudau and Vanessa Makoni.
Nyaumwe was also a key player of the legendary Mighty Warriors squad that blazed the trail and reached the 2016 Olympic Games Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Despite edging closer to 40, Nyaumwe remains lethal, leaving many wondering what her trick to a long career-span has been.
“I believe that jealously guarding your career, in the same manner you guard your life, is the greatest key to success.
“Football gave me a life and for years, my whole life basically revolves around the game, I can’t picture myself without football.
“I make sure that everything that I do or the decisions that I make contribute positively to my game, discipline is key as well as safeguarding your image.”
Nyaumwe urged professional women football players to uphold the high standards of conduct and steer clear of indiscipline.
She highlighted that lack of professionalism erodes the foundation of a player’s career and underscored the importance of dedication and respect for the game.
Nyaumwe also warned of drug and substance abuse.
“Such illicit practices not only jeopardise a player’s physical and mental health but also lead to irreparable damage to their reputations, inevitably cutting short some promising careers.
“I believe that professional athletes serve as role models especially for the society and future generation of athletes.
“Our integrity is key, not just for personal success but for the credibility and future of the game.”
