dyton mupawaenda
Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter
LAST season, Chikato Primary School Grade Seven pupil Pretty Mbwende was the youngest player in the Zimbabwe Women Soccer League, now Heart League.
Making several appearances in the season under Shine-shine, the young midfielder radiated immense potential, rising to be a player that many hoped to see rise in the game.
Yet a season later, she and more than thirty other young girls’ lives hang in the balance and they are nowhere close to the spotlight.
Sadly, some of the players who showcased talent in that season are now out of football due to early marriages, pregnancy and other vices.
While a few that remained in the game are struggling to make ends meet as they ply their trade in Division One.
Financial constraints continue to threaten the existence of the club that has done so much to rescue the lives of young girls from social vices.
Growing up in a rural set-up where early marriages, teenage pregnancies, drug and substance abuse have been “normalised” the football pitch has become their only safe space.
“Last season, we failed to fulfil some of our fixtures due to acute financial challenges,” Shine-shine head coach Mavesere Takaendesa said.
“That, coupled with a string of poor results led to our demotion so we are back in Division One where everything started by the way.
“Our girls come from rural Masvingo, we set up the team to rescue them from societal ills and unfortunately getting sponsorship is almost impossible for us and some have fallen on the wayside.”
Last season, the team captured attention in the elite league as a bunch of young girls who looked visibly dejected and shabbily dressed in oversized kits and worn out boots.
Others were actually playing in their old and discoloured sneakers which depicted their disadvantaged backgrounds.
Most of the players were introverts and their characters almost bordered on timidity and insecurity.
They seemed to enjoy interactions amongst themselves and preferred not to mingle with other teams.
With most of the women’s elite league games played in Harare, it was tough for the team to travel and fulfil some of their fixtures.
The coaches had to either contribute for their team to travel or get into debt.
For accommodation in Harare, a player’s relative would open up her house to them for the night.
“It was an experience and a half because every match day we had to find a way to get the transport funds so it was tough,” he said.
“A player’s relative gave us accommodation so we only needed to provide supper for the team…now in Division One, the expenses are not much but we are struggling.
“We are still searching for sponsorship so that these girls do not fall on the wayside like others did…”
Takaendesa is not ready to give up on his passion and the calling to rescue young girls from social vices.
“From where I come from, a lot of sad things are destroying young girls and I feel that the noble thing to do is rescue them,” said the coach.
“We have nothing in our coffers, so there is no remuneration for the girls and whoever finds a better team we are forced to allow them to go.
“Refreshments are a luxury for us, let alone a first aid kit.
“Sometimes I feel like giving up but it is the plight of the girl child that keeps me going, otherwise they (girls) are just doing it for passion. We wish to return to the elite league; it is the best platform for us to learn and showcase our potential…hopefully our dream will come true someday.”
Online Reporter