mbulelo smpofu
Panashe Marijeni, Sports Reporter
MPOPOMA Sports Academy (Mposa) women’s football team made history for itself by securing promotion to the Zimbabwe Women’s National Soccer League.
They won the Zifa Southern Region Women’s Division One title and were last Friday presented with the winners’ trophy by the regional management of Takundwa Chimundiya (chairman), Killian Hadebe (secretary) and board member Sibekiwe Ndlovu.
They finished the 10-team league with 46 points from 18 matches and were offensive, scoring 122 goals in the process and conceding 16 for a massive goal difference of 106.
However, Loxion Vipers gave them a hard run to the title, finishing tied on 46 points, but fell short by a massive goal difference of 42. Lobengula City Queens secured third place with 42 points.
Mposa’s success this season was not only a testament to their raw talent but also their unwavering dedication and teamwork.
Despite numerous challenges, the Mpopoma girls maintained their composure, demonstrating an organised and disciplined game play from start to finish.
Chimundiya praised the team for their collective effort, stressing the importance of collaboration across all facets of the game.
“For a team to produce results, there is a need for co-operation from the entire system, which includes the executive, technical staff and the players,” Chimundiya said.
He emphasised role definition and team work as key.
“If everyone plays their role, the team is destined for greatness. But if any part of the system fails, the entire team suffers,” he said.
In addition to clinching the league title, Mposa striker Chiedza Khumalo scooped the top goal scorer award.
She hit the back of the net 27 times.
Khumalo was, however, unable to attend the awards ceremony as she is in South Africa representing Zimbabwe at the Cosafa Under-17 Games.
Chimundiya challenged the girls to go out and protect their franchise by avoiding relegation.
“Let’s go to the Premier League and perform. Let’s go there and stay. We will support you all the way,” he said.
Four of the team’s key players, Vanessa Magodo, Tatenda Gambiza, Zinhle Ncube and Khumalo, are in the national team.
This is a significant achievement for both the players and the academy, further solidifying Mposa as a breeding ground for top football talent.
Mposa director, James Rugwevera, called on sponsors and well-wishers to support the team’s journey in the Premier League.
He emphasised the need for community involvement and financial backing to help the team compete at national level.
“We need the corporate community to step up and support the Girl Child. Without this support, it will be difficult to compete at a national level,” Rugwevera said.
Mposa were able to re-group, recruit new players after losing a number to Highlanders Royals who made their debut in the national league this season.
Former national team captain, Nobuhle Mirriam Majika is the team’s head coach.
Log
P W D L F A GD Pts
Mposa 18 15 1 2 122 16 106 46
Loxion Vipers 18 15 1 2 73 9 64 46
Lob City Queens 18 13 3 2 65 8 57 42
LAS Palmas 18 9 4 5 53 21 32 31
Western Rangers 18 7 5 6 47 42 5 26
ZRP Bulawayo 18 7 8 3 32 51 -19 24
B/boots Queens 18 6 2 10 20 30 -10 20
Ubuntu Queens 18 5 1 12 23 48 -25 16
Queen Lozikeyi 18 1 1 16 10 85 -75 4
New Orleans 18 1 1 16 13 148 -135 4
