Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini
THE much anticipated Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League (ZWSL) programme kicked off last weekend.
Several matches were played at venues strewn around the country.
The ZWSL has been dominated by Black Rhinos Queens.
They have won the championship on four occasions with Herentals claiming the championship on two successive seasons 2022 and 2023.
Black Rhinos Queens started their campaign on a winning note, drubbing ZRP (Harare) Queens 7-0 to fire warning shots.
FC Platinum Royals and Conduit Soccer Academy are on second and third respectively, courtesy of goal difference.
This year’s competition is being played under the theme “One game, one goal”.
There was a slight delay in this year’s kick off as clubs had to register with Fifa Connect in a bid to make the league more professional.
Highlanders Royals head coach, Edmore Sibanda saw his girls beat Mutare Queens 4-1 in a league match played in Bulawayo.
He said the match was a difficult game and hence hard to judge the team’s prospects.
“I told the girls that we stick to our game plan, which was to watch closely for the first 10 minutes how the Mutare girls play, although we missed out on chances of scoring in the first half, we managed to secure three goals in the second half,” said Sibanda.
The first goal for Highlanders Royals came from Nothabo Nkabinde in the 43rd minute before she scored the fourth one two minutes into the referee’s optional time.
Sibusiso Sibanda scored a brace in the 67th and 71st minute. For Mutare Queens’ solitary goal, Shylet Mutamba was on target in the 87th minute.
Edmore is positive that his team will win at least 50 percent of the season’s games.
Results
Herentals 1-0 Chapungu, Harare City Queens 1-0 Faith Drive Academy, Conduit SA 5-0 Hope Academy, ZRP Harare Queens 0 -7 Black Rhinos Queens, MSU Queens 0-7 Platinum Royals, Sheasham Gweru Queens 0-3 Correctional Queens, Black Mambas Queens 4-3 Maningi.
Online Reporter