Online Reporter
Tafadzwa Chigandiwa
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa made a powerful and refreshing statement by attending the coronation of new champions Scottland at Ascot on Saturday.
Dr Mnangagwa, who was the guest of honour, watched the entire match, spending the full 90 minutes watching some of the finest players in the PSL as they showcased their talent.
Scottland celebrated their finest hour in style with a 2-1 win over TelOne.
Having the First Lady attending a domestic football match speaks volumes about her support for local football.
Her presence also carries a strong gender message as it encourages more women, whether high-profile or not, to feel welcome and confident attending local matches.
Dr Mnangagwa’s attendance also sends a powerful signal to the corporate world, which local football desperately needs.
One of the standouts moments was Dr Mnangagwa celebrating a beautiful goal by TelOne striker Tawanda Macheka.
It was a powerful message that she was not at the stadium just to celebrate Scottland’s achievement but as the mother of a nation gracing one of the national game’s showcase events – the coronation of a champion.
By celebrating Macheka’s goal, she showed that she represented the TelOne players as much as she was representing the triumphant Scottland players.
PSL CEO, Rodwell Thabe, said:
“The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) was honoured to host the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, as Scottland FC were presented with the championship trophy in Gweru on Saturday.
“Ultimately, we believe that hosting a guest of such stature is a strategic component of the league’s operations.
“It reinforces our values, strengthens connections and promotes a positive image for the league.
“The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is committed to improving its relations with key stakeholders, including government and regulators.”
He added: “We believe that hosting such a VVIP in a well-organised and professional manner enhances the league’s image, strengthens relationships, and supports our broader networking initiatives.
“We are grateful to Dr Mnangagwa for gracing the event.
“Her presence created a memorable and lasting impression for our fans and served as a source of motivation for the players as they performed in front of the First Lady.
“We look forward to continuing to host high-profile dignitaries at our events in the future, as part of our ongoing efforts to engage key stakeholders for the growth of our brand, the league, and our clubs.”
Now, the challenge shifts to the PSL.
The big question for the league is: What can the PSL start doing next season to attract more high-profile individuals to their matches and strengthen their brand?
Many will point to Scottland as the X-factor this season.
It’s a team whose rise has drawn influential personalities such as Prophet Uebert Angel, former Minister Ignatius Chombo, fashion icon Pokello Nare, whose son Nathan has just won a championship medal, and musicians Jah Prayzah, Killer T and Enzo Ishall.
During the season, it became fashionable to be part of the crowd watching Scottland and scores of celebrities flocked to their matches.
But now the PSL must capitalise on that momentum.
