Shonga considers quitting football

Curtworth Masango-Sports Reporter

Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga is contemplating quitting football.

Shonga, whose contract with Harare City Queens lapsed in December, said the club owes her money after failing to pay players their dues for the better of last season. 

She claims she is incapacitated and now hesitant to have another broken season as the burden of responsibilities at home is tearing her apart. Shonga was nominated for the inaugural Confederation of African Football Goalkeeper of the Year award for 2023 after her exploits at the Cosafa Women’s Championships where she was impressive and walked away with the Golden Glove. 

Shonga, who joined Harare City from Faith Drive in 2019, believes finding a new job might help her to settle financially. 

“I am having a difficult time fending for myself. I also have some responsibilities that need my attention and you can’t run away from that. Issues like rentals and food need money and without money, it’s always difficult,” she said. 

“The most difficult thing is that it comes to a point where I find myself struggling to buy new soccer boots for myself. That summarises the environment I am working in, and that’s clear football isn’t sustaining me. 

“My contract with Harare City expired in December and it was my wish to continue with the club. But if you look at it, the club owes me my money and naturally, it will be difficult to continue with them as I expect them to settle the dues first. 

“It has always been my wish to continue with the club but I don’t see it materialising. I have also received some offers but they are not what you would expect as a player.

“Behind every transfer or before signing any contract I think as a player it is wise to evaluate the contract and see if it will do justice to yourself. With all the evaluations I think maybe it’s wise to call it quits and look for another job such that I can sustain,” she said.