Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE severely under-funded Women Premier Soccer League has kicked off with plenty of goals but the bigger focus for now is sponsorship.
A plea for sponsorship now echoes louder than the goal celebrations, with league chair Theresa Maguraushe revealing that ZWPSL needs at least US$280,000 for administration but has only managed to raise US$10,000 so far.
That lifeline came from Ponera Constructions, who stepped in as a benefactor, but the amount could only cover match officials. The rest, travel, logistics, equipment, has been left to cash-strapped clubs to figure out on their own.
While self-sponsorship is standard in the men’s league, most women’s teams, individually owned and historically overlooked, are struggling to stay afloat.
“We’re still in the woods. We need about US$283,000 according to our budgets, for administration, transportation and other crucial services,” said Maguraushe. “If we add awards and other extras, the figure rises. The situation needs urgent attention.” The alarm bells are real: last season saw a record 11 walkovers, most of them in the second half as financial pressures overwhelmed teams.
Determined to avoid a repeat, teams have started this year’s campaign with grit. Chapungu Queens have soared to a flying start, thrashing Conduit 5–0 and edging Sheasham 1–0. Correctional Queens delivered the statement win of the weekend, hammering league debutants Red Buffalo Sports Academy 10–1 to climb to second on the table.
At The Heart Stadium, Harare City Queens registered their first win with a thrilling 4–1 triumph over Maningi Youth Academy.
Meanwhile, champions Herentals Queens and last year’s runners-up Black Rhinos had their fixtures postponed after clashing in the Independence Cup in Gokwe.
In Bulawayo, it’s been a rough start for Highlanders Royals with back-to-back losses, 1–2 to Mpopoma Sports Academy and 0–3 to Platinum Royals.
But Platinum Royals head coach Lindiwe Ndlovu was all smiles after her side’s victory.
“We’re building for the future. We want to contend for the title soon, but this season our aim is a top five finish,” said Ndlovu. “We fielded two new players, an Under-17 and an Under-20. We’ll keep giving youth a chance and hope to carry this form forward.”
She’s already bracing for next week’s showdown.
“We’re hosting Black Mambas at Mandava and we don’t want to lose at home, in front of our fans. We have to quickly forget this win and work harder.”
Results
Harare City Queens F.C 4–1 Maningi Youth Soccer Academy
Highlanders 0–3 Platinum Royals
Black Mambas 0–2 Mpopoma Sports Academy
Conduit Soccer Academy 1–4 Faithdrive Academy
Red Buffalo 1–10 Correctional Queens F.C
Sheasham Gweru Queens 0–1 Chapungu Queens FC
Postponed
Kwekwe United Queens vs Black Rhinos Queens
Herentals Queens vs Cranborne Royals
