mbulelo smpofu
Lovemore Dube
THE girl child’s right to play in the Zimbabwe National Women’s Soccer League could be shattered if Mpopoma Sports Academy (Mposa) does not secure sponsorship for the 2025 season.
James Rugwevera the brains behind the project cut a lone figure as the presentation of the regional trophy took place at YMCA on 13 December. One would have expected him to be very jubilant but he was a man in deep thought.
Yes, thinking about what he had landed himself into.
His Mposa girls were celebrating a hard-fought race in which they tallied 46 points with Loxion Vipers whom they pipped by a superior goal difference.
But they will be soothed by the fact that they were just on level terms because their last match against Vipers could not be played and a walkover decision was awarded after Mposa girls could not fulfil the fixture because of an accident the team was involved in towards the end of the race.
Rugwevera says the club needs over US$100 000 to travel and fulfil fixtures and other ancillary expenses associated with both home and away matches.
Mposa club coach and a Zimbabwe women’s soccer legend, Nobuhle Majika who was part of the team that participated in the 2016 Olympics, says the girls deserve a chance to play at the highest level since they have worked so hard to be where they are.
She believes failure to secure sponsorship could waste all their efforts and frustrate a young crop of hard-working girls who have a dream of playing the game at a higher level.
“I am so happy because my team Mpopoma Academy qualified for the Premier Soccer League. It is going to be very hard. I appreciate those people who have been coming to give a hand to these girls. The girls know nothing is going to their own pockets. I appreciate those that are going to come forward to support our team. I am hoping we will get a sponsor who will help the girl child,” said Majika on Thursday.
As a player Majika was part of a trailblazing New Orleans team run by Haverson Masilela which enjoyed sound backing and was able to travel around the country and to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Swaziland.
In the elite women’s division Mposa will be expected to travel to centres like Gweru, Mutare, Shamva, Harare and Zvishavane.
Rugwevera conceded that having the team playing at that level will prove a tall order for them.
“It will depend on whether we can get a sponsor or partners. It is a very, very big challenge, as of now only one guy has come forward, LM Auctioneers who donated a kit.
“It is going to be a tall order, we need support for the girl child,” said Rugwevera.
Rugwevera said at this level players expect to be paid and hence they are appealing for potential suitors to pick on any of the major expenses.
Transport, allowances, fuel, uniforms, consumables, Zifa fees and referees’ charges are among some of the high costs in football.
Rugwevera has been funding most of the team’s expenses and now admits he can no longer afford it hence the call on sponsors and partners to come on board.
They join Highlanders Royals and Hope Academy among the city’s clubs to play at that level.
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