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Shingai Dhlamini
BULAWAYO-BORN and bred football player, Primrose Gumbo, at the age of 19 is juggling between playing and officiating.
She is walking in the footsteps of history makers like Rusape-born and bred football match official, Grace Gimo, who became the first female referee in history to handle the fiery Battle of Zimbabwe pitting old nemesis, Dynamos and Highlanders in the 2021 Uhuru Cup at the National Sports Stadium.
She attended Nkulumane High School and she has played for Lee Mangena’s Street Sets and Barrow Jets but is now with Hope Academy. The team is affiliated to the Bulawayo Province Zimbabwe Women’s Soccer League (ZWSL).
Besides football and refereeing, she is also a hairdresser. Gumbo holds a Class Four refereeing certificate, which is for juniors. She said that she chose refereeing because of the love she has for the sport.
“I chose refereeing after my brother asked me to attend refereeing school when he realised I love football. Last year, I attended referees’ training, did everything required and I passed, that’s how l became a referee,” said Gumbo.
She said it is not easy working in a male-dominated field like refereeing.
“It’s not easy at all, being a female in a male-dominated sport, people always assume that women cannot perform like their male counterparts, which is not true. Women, given the same platform and opportunity can achieve greatness just like their male counterparts, it takes a big heart and being strong to achieve full potential and greatness,” said Gumbo.
Gumbo said that her greatest moment was when she officiated at the Orap Zenzele Isuzu Cup Tournament, which was held at Gifford High School in June.
“Officiating at the Orap Zenzele Isuzu Cup Tournament was one of my biggest moments in refereeing, l felt that l belong to the field,” said Gumbo.
She said her greatest source of inspiration was her mother and brother who are her support system.
“My inspiration is my mother and brother because they have been around since day one, all thanks to them and everyone who supported me because it wasn’t an easy task,” she said.
She advised other young people in sports not to give up and try to avoid unnecessary societal ills like drugs and substance abuse.
“My advice to my peers is that no matter what situation you find yourself in, never give up, you might face discouragement, negative influence and stigmatisation especially if you are a Girl Child, never give up on yourself.
Always believe in yourself because nothing comes easy in life and refereeing is for both men and women, there is no difference when you are on the field of play,” she said.
Online Reporter