Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini
SAMKELISO Silengane is a passionate advocate for women’s football in Zimbabwe.
Her journey in football began when growing up in a family of 15 where the love for the game was a common thread.
Silengane’s professional foray into women’s football started with New Orleans in Entumbane, a move inspired by her grandmother’s support.
Growing up in a community that cherished football, her only diversion from the game was her involvement with drum majorettes.
Luveve Stadium was where her affection for football took shape, becoming a sanctuary that nurtured her passion.
It was here that her friend, Cecilia Malunga, recognised her keen grasp of the game and encouraged her to pursue a career as a referee, introducing her to Barbourfields Stadium.
Silengane transitioned from being a player to a referee and this pivotal moment marked the beginning of her advocacy for women’s football and she eventually served as vice chairperson and interim chairperson of the Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League (ZWSL), advocating for growth and vitality of the game.
“Cecilia encouraged me to do a beginners course in refereeing because there was a shortage of female referees in football. I decided to do the course at Robert Tredgold Primary School in Bulawayo in 2009. I also did Level 1, 2 and 3 coaching courses at the same time,” said Silengane.
Before hanging up her whistle, Silengane channelled her passion for football into founding a women’s team in Cowdray Park, which she named Eutropia, after her daughter. This personal endeavour blossomed into the formidable Ubuntu Queens, a team that has grown to be a powerhouse in the community.
As ZWSL vice chairperson, she witnessed a period of inactivity for the Mighty Warriors, but through her leadership and dedication, she was instrumental in advocating for the growth of women’s football.
“One of our achievements in my first year in office was to take the Mighty Warriors to South Africa after they had been inactive for quite some time. Half of our expenses were met by the HOD of the South African Women’s football at the time,” said Silengane.
Over the years she has also held different administrative positions at ZIFA, from match commissioner to vice-chairperson of the Zifa Referees Committee.
“From my South African trip, I made some friends and we donated equipment to school teams in Nkankezi in Filabusi after the tournament a nd Nkankezi High took football seriously and assembled a very strong team which competed in the Copa Coca-Cola. Some of the players from the Nkankezi team went on to play football professionally,” said Silengane.
Her commitment to women’s football continued as she spearheaded the revival of the game at Selonga School in the Gwanda southern region. This initiative was supported by David Moyo and his company, Lumelang, and breathed new life into the local football scene. Silengane’s efforts also played a crucial role in rejuvenating the Highlanders Royals, propelling them into the National League.
Despite these successes and contributions to the game, women’s football still faces significant challenges such as inadequate support, resources and societal norms requiring female initiatives to seek male endorsement.
Silengane believes more corporate support is crucial to championing women’s football by providing substantial funding, thus reflecting the value and influence of women in the marketplace.
Online Reporter