Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
YOUNG women in all the wards of Mutare of mixed age groups are getting a worthwhile career and pastime opportunity, thanks to the formation of Getty Queens, a women football outfit.
A brainchild of vivacious local Member of the House of Assembly Gertrude Mutandi, Getty Queens stated last year in October last year with 30 young girls between the age of 15 to 35.
The girls come from all wards around Mutare from Ward one to nine.
With a technical team comprising Rose Mashawa, Simba Fore, Rufaro Kupangwa, head coach Simbarashe Kasai, assistants William Rufudza and Sthembile Kupangwa together with medic Shamiso Marondo, the club is giving a rare opportunity for health and wellness among young women.
Mutande said: “I just thought of the idea to help give these young women something to occupy themselves while at the same time promoting health and wellness.
“We are also finding ways of economically empowering them this we managed to engage with Ministry of Youth so that they also get opportunities to enrol with the National Youth Service. At the same time, resources allowing we are paying school fees for the school going ones.”
Some of the best players include goalkeeper Ashley Fore who scooped the Best Goalkeeper Award at the Minister of State tournament played in January, defender Mary Njukuya, midfielder Talent Nemaungwe, striker Dine Karuma, defensive midfielder Shantel Pukai, defenders, Tendai Mwadziwana and Christabel Chinyowa.
Mutandi said: “There is an open door policy on players. Any young girl who is interested in women soccer can come and showcase their talent. Those with talent will be selected. We also have many female supporters who are rallying behind the team. The Motive behind is to keep the girl child out of drug abuse and child marriages.”
