Online ReporterVeronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League roars back into action tomorrow – but without a sponsor or prize money on the horizon, all 16 clubs are left to fend for themselves in yet another tough campaign.
Despite the setback, the league’s leadership has launched an aggressive turnaround bid with the appointment of a five-member Ad hoc Marketing and Sponsorship Committee that has already hit the ground running.
This new team, chaired by ZWPSL vice chairperson Dumisani Sithole and deputised by Platinum Royals chair Chido Chizondo, has been tasked with securing corporate support to stabilise and grow the women’s game.
Committee members Ntokoziso Moyo, Judith Tinarwo and Lewis Muzhara complete the team.
“The Marketing and Sponsorship team plays a key role in our league – they are here to create and promote a strong image for the ZWPSL,” said league chairperson Theresa Maguraushe.
“Our journey has not been easy over the years, so this team comes in to rewrite that story. They will secure sponsorship deals to support the growth and development of women’s football in Zimbabwe.
“We’re excited to have a young, dynamic and committed team that will drive our efforts to new heights.”
While the move has been widely welcomed, it may have come a little too late for the current season, which gets underway tomorrow.
As a result, the committee will focus primarily on medium to long-term plans.
“We’re now working with future plans in mind, which means our focus is on finding sponsorship for the second half of the season and beyond,” the committee said.
“If we’re lucky, we could still attract sponsors willing to step in even now – that would be a welcome bonus. But the key thing is that the committee is in place and work has already begun, so it’s only a matter of time before results start to show.”
Last season, the league signed a Memorandum of Understanding with The Heart Group, who came in as principal sponsor with a US$320 000 package, prompting a rebrand to The Heart League.
It sparked new hope in a league long plagued by financial struggles, with the promise of a US$1,2 million injection for the 2025 season fanning expectations of lasting change.
But the excitement proved short-lived – the deal was not renewed, and the league has reverted to its former title, the ZWPSL.
Nevertheless, The Heart Cup Tournament is still expected to go ahead this year, although the funders have yet to confirm whether it will follow the same format as last season.
