Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere
Zimpapers Sports Hub
EX-MIGHTY Warriors captain Felistas “Figo” Muzongondi has been honoured by the Footballers union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) after she retired from the game.
The 39-year-old’s exit closes one of the longest and most decorated careers in local women’s football.
It was built on goals, trophies and a national team legacy that peaked with Zimbabwe’s historic qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
Muzongondi acknowledged the recognition on social media on Monday, posting a short message that captured the emotion of the moment after years in the trenches of the women’s game.
“I am really grateful for the recognition. Thank you so much for this award. Much appreciation,” she wrote on her Facebook wall.
Warmly known as “Figo” in football circles, Muzongondi is now shifting into full-time coaching after spending last season as a player/coach at Black Rhinos Queens.
, a role that quietly signalled the direction her career was taking even before the retirement announcement.
At club level, she won multiple league titles with Black Rhinos Queens, becoming a central figure in a team that repeatedly set the standard, and she carried that authority into the national team where she wore the armband in Zimbabwe’s biggest moments.
For the Mighty Warriors, Muzongondi’s contribution went beyond the headlines.
She was part of the spine of the squad during campaigns that pushed Zimbabwe into elite territory, including qualification for the Olympic Games and repeated runs at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
When she announced her retirement, Muzongondi turned the spotlight away from herself and towards the people and institutions that shaped her journey, naming Black Rhinos Queens and the wider football community that watched her rise and stayed with her through the years.
“I would like to thank Black Rhinos Queens and the football fraternity, officials, coaches, teammates, fans, media, administrators, football legends, and all staff, for the incredible support and opportunities I’ve had during my playing time,” she said.
“I’m grateful for the trust placed in me, the friendships forged, and the lessons learned. “Special credit goes to the Black Rhinos Queens Football Club technical team for believing in me, the national team coaches I’ve worked with, the coaches who groomed me, my teammates for being incredible partners on and off the field, the Muzongondi family, and above all, The Almighty God for guiding and protecting me throughout.”
