Race against time for ZWPSL sponsor

The Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League is racing against time to secure a title sponsor before the new season begins on April 4, with clubs warning another unfunded campaign could push some teams to the brink.

Fixtures for the 2026 season have already been released, but with just three weeks before kickoff, uncertainty still hangs over the competition as administrators continue searching for financial backing.

For years, the league has operated without a title sponsor, leaving clubs to shoulder most of the operational costs themselves. Team officials say the lack of funding often means players go without salaries, while travel and accommodation for away fixtures become a major burden.

Clubs say the coming weeks will determine whether the league can ease those pressures or head into yet another demanding season.

“We resumed preparations for the season some weeks ago. We are now winding up preseason, but we are not sure what the future holds,” said one club official.

“Without a committed league sponsor or a grant from Fifa this will be yet another tough season where some teams can even fall along the way because of financial challenges.”

Administrators estimate the league requires at least US$300 000 to cover basic operational costs for the campaign, including administration, transport and other key services. The figure does not include player salaries, bonuses and allowances which are handled by individual clubs.

“If we factor in the issue of player salaries, bonuses and allowances, we will need more than that, so the situation needs to be addressed urgently to avoid walkovers and dropouts,” the official added.

The financial strain has in the past affected several clubs.

In 2024, Masvingo side Shine Shine endured severe financial problems in their maiden top flight campaign. They failed to fulfil some fixtures and were eventually demoted.

Last year, Nyazura’s Red Buffaloes and Bulawayo-based Mpopoma Academy also struggled to meet travel and match commitments, resulting in postponed matches and walkovers.

ZWPSL chairperson Chido Chizondo said securing sponsorship remains the executive’s main priority as the countdown to kickoff come close.

“Securing sponsorship remains our key priority, but it is equally important that the league continues to grow and provide a consistent competitive platform for women’s football,” said Chizondo.

“We have been engaging a number of potential sponsors. Nothing solid has come out yet but we remain optimistic that a breakthrough will come in time.”

Chizondo said the league leadership is working to strengthen the competition’s commercial appeal by improving its structures and visibility.

“It is difficult to convince corporates to sponsor the women’s game,” she said.

“We have approached many potential sponsors and some have been candid enough to say they are not committed to women’s football. Despite that we remain committed to taking the best possible path for the league.”

Globally Fifa has increased its investment in women’s football through development programmes and funding support aimed at strengthening domestic leagues.

Locally there have been signs of gradual progress, with some clubs strengthening their brands and integrating women’s teams into their broader football structures.

For the ZWPSL, however, the immediate concern remains securing financial backing before the season begins, with clubs hoping the next few weeks will bring the support needed to keep the competition stable.