WATCH: Matabeleland North women’s soccer league launched

THE Matabeleland North Women’s Soccer League was launched at Cross Dete on Saturday with 10 teams in attendance.

The event was held at Ndangababi Primary School.

At the event the 10 teams were presented with soccer uniforms and balls.

These were presented by members of the Rhino Champions Cup League (RCCL) leaders. The initiative is to create opportunities for the girl child.

In attendance was Chief Nekatambe, RCCL boss Dominic Nyathi, Painted Dog marketing manager David Kuvawoga and league administrator Ndodana Masuku.

Community leaders from the civic and traditional set up and local businessmen attended the event.
Nsongwa headmaster Frank Mudenda who is passionate about sport, parliamentarian Jealous Sansole and former Binga Pirates coach Ashley Ndebele were in attendance.

Masuku said the introduction of women’s soccer had been hampered by lack of sponsorship.
“Girls soccer introduction was muted long back and resources were still scarce and there was the stereotype that soccer was for boys only.

“We were also trying to keep the girl child occupied to reduce early pregnancies, early marriages, engaging in drug and substance abuse and prostitution.

Our girl child has been neglected for a long time hence we are giving them that opportunity to showcase their talent and skills, you never know we might produce the next Sithethelelwe Sibanda or Nomsa Moyo,” said Masuku.

Masuku challenged National Association of Secondary School (NASH), National Association of Primary School (NAPH), uniformed services, health institutions and colleges to embrace and support girls when they venture into women’s football.

Speaking on behalf of the teams that attended the event, Nsongwa headmaster, Mudenda commended the sponsors for the gesture.

He thanked the sponsors, Wild and Free Foundation, RCCL and Painted Dog conservation for remembering the girls.
He said: “The equipment received today will go a long way in alleviating the plight of the girl child.”

Privilege Kasongola and Sikhanyisiwe Ndlovu speaking on behalf of the teams also praised the organisers and sponsors for sparing a thought on the girl child.

Sikhanyisiwe Ndlovu who coaches Chapungu Queens called for support for girls who are in women’s soccer.
The league kicked off the very morning with five matches played at Ndangababi as Matabeleland North broke new ground in the sport.

Results
Eagles 2-1 Nembila; Nsongwa Elephants 0-3 Chapungu Queens;
Nechilibi Queens 1-0 Gwayi Elephants; Ilanda FC 0-1 Young Sables;
Shumba Stars 0-0 Aardvark