‘Women’s soccer needs incentives’

“There is a lot of potential in women’s soccer but we also need financial backing and professionalism in the sport. The corporate world should assist us so that the sport improves,” said Lunga. Lunga was recently voted one of the best women soccer players in the country after scoring 15 goals for Inline Academy of Bulawayo. She said the fact that there was no sponsor for the league was demoralising for them as players and called on responsible authorities to look into the issue of sponsorship. The Women’s Soccer League came to a  premature end with Black Rhinos being awarded the championship by virtue of being at the top of the log.

Rhinos beat second placed Mufakose, Inline Academy (third) and Cyclone who were fourth on the log to the honours. “It is demoralising for players to spend the whole season sweating for just a thank you from the administrators. There should be incentives for us to play better,” she said.
Lunga said she believes that she still has what it takes to be involved in the sport for the next five years.

The 28-year-old player said she had played well during the season and was confident to continue improving in 2012.
“I had a good season and I performed well. I was at my best last year but I did not know that people would take note of my contribution in the team,” she said.
Lunga said her aim was to impress national team coaches and show them that she still had what it takes to represent the country.

She started playing for the Mighty Warriors in 2001 but was dropped for the match against Zambia last year. “My main aim was to show national team coaches that I can still represent the country. I think I have managed to do that but I have to continue working hard,” she said.

Lunga said it was a great achievement being selected as a Soccer Star of the Year finalist.
This is her first national recognition and Lunga said she believes that she can do better next season.

Cyclone Football Club’s Tsitsi Mairo was crowned the Soccer Star of the Year with Kudakwashe Basopo and Lunga being first and second runners-up respectively. Other players that made it to the women’s soccer calendar are Black Rhinos’ duo of talent Mandaza, Outglad Bhamu, Erin Jeche of Cyclone, goalkeeper Thelma Tamirepi, Nomsa Biserk both of Mufakose, New Orleans’ Nokuthula Ndlovu and Flame Lily’s Panashe Masitara.