Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Women’s Premier Soccer League is in free fall — a league riddled with poor pitches, empty pockets, and broken promises.
In the latest scandal, reigning champs Herentals Queens were left stranded at Tomlinson Depot after Kwekwe United refused to step onto the pitch — branding the surface a death trap. The match didn’t kick off. The embarrassment did.
The sorry state of Tomlinson Depot is just the tip of a crumbling iceberg. Venues like Wagadhugu, Vengere, and One Commando are war zones, not football grounds.
League boss Theresa Maguraushe is fuming.
“We’re stuck using substandard pitches because most clubs can’t afford proper stadiums. The result? Injuries, low-quality games, and zero progress,” she said.
Even worse? Spiritual mumbo jumbo is playing defence — with some teams refusing to let women’s matches curtain-raise men’s games, fearing it’ll jinx their male squads. Yes, seriously.
Meanwhile, Platinum Royals and Chapungu are among the few sides lucky enough to share stadiums with their men’s teams — but for most, it’s buses that break down, open trucks on matchday, and no ambulance in sight.
Three weeks ago, Ponera Constructions pledged a US$10 000 sponsorship — a lifeline meant to pay match officials. That money? Still missing in action.
“This is déjà vu,” lamented Maguraushe. “Last season we saw promises vanish, awards cancelled, and clubs short-changed. We’re getting tired of explaining failure.”
Football administrator Chido Chizondo is calling for urgent reforms.
“We are killing the women’s game ourselves,” she warned. “Respect must start from within — better planning, better pitches, and partnerships with local authorities.”
As frustration grows and matches crumble, the ZWPSL is staring at the ultimate red card: total collapse.
