Wenslus Murape
Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Women Soccer League members are basking in glory after striking a massive US$320 000 sponsorship deal with Prophet Walter Magaya’s Heart Group to breathe life in a league, which has for years been running on virtually dry coffers.
In a first of its kind for local women football, the sponsorship will be unveiled at Yadah Hotel tomorrow with representatives from all the league’s 16 teams expected to attend.
The ongoing league championship, which started in May and ends in November, will now be renamed the Heart League.
ZWSL chairperson Theresa Maguraushe said the major boost is meant to motivate the league teams going forward by ensuring that they have adequate financial assistance.
“This is the first of its kind for women football in Zimbabwe and definitely something worth celebrating,” she said.
“It is a huge development not only for women football but also for a league with is being run by an interim executive who have worked round the clock to ensure this happens, we appreciate them.”
Highlanders Football Club chief executive officer Sihlangu Dlodlo paid tribute to Prophet Magaya for financially helping women football.
For years, the women’s elite league teams have been self-funded hence its ‘lack’ of development.
“It is clear that without such people, local sport cannot develop…this is the greatest gift and recognition that Yadah have given us,” he said.
“At the start of the season, there was no sign that such a milestone would come anytime soon but we are happy the house was cleaned in time.
“However, sponsorship does not attract itself hence we need to acknowledge the interim executive for this first of its kind achievement.”
The sponsorship unveiling will be tailed by a tournament at which all the 16 elite league teams, who are the beneficiaries will take part.
Platinum Royals spokesperson Chido Chizondo said the current season has seen an intriguing shift in the advancement and emphasis on women’s football.
She said, the fresh deal shows that there is a strong dedication by the current ZWSL executive in establishing a supportive environment for women’s success in football.
“The introduction of new partners is a promising development that has sparked excitement among us all,” she said.
With ZWSL’s ongoing growth, she added, clubs remain optimistic that the upcoming ZIFA congress will back the constitutional changes and give women a more prominent voice that reflects inclusivity. For years, the league has been running without a constitution while teams did not also have clear player contracts to protect the athletes.
Resultants, most girls where frustrated out of the game while others had to play for little to no wages.
And these issues are being looked into by the interim executive.
“There has been a significant global change in the perception of women in football and we are happy that Zimbabwe is not being left out,” added Chizondo.
“Now is the ideal moment for Zimbabwe to embrace this shift and pave the way for a clearer direction in fostering a supportive environment for the advancement of women in football.”
Faith Drive Queens director Dumisani Sithole added that with remuneration issues being a nagging headache in women football for years, the financial boost will bring integrity to the game.
“We are happy with such a development because for years, the women’s game has been overlooked in terms of sponsorship,” he said.
“The deal comes at a perfect time to change the narrative on the local women’s football as it has been lagging behind compared to how other African countries.”
Hope Academy team manager Sizolwethu Dube said the coming of the giant deal comes as a motivation to women football grassroots teams.
With enough remuneration, she feels that more talent can be lured into the game.
“We are an individually owned club and we have lost so much talent due to poor remuneration so this deal comes as a game changer,” she said.
“Some of the teams had to survive from hand to mouth so when such deals come, it means less burden for us and our founders.
“Also remember that most of these girls are breadwinners and they play the game to bring food on the table so we are so elated by this move by Yadah (Heart Group).
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter