Blessing Nduku
The Midlands; women’s league has taken a significant leap forward in recent months with a surge in popularity and string of impressive performances on the pitch.
Speaking to this reporter the league’s Chairperson Felistas Tongogara said that as a league their mission was to foster development for women’s football teams in the region and they are making progress in implementing it.
“Our mission and vision as a league are to foster development for women football teams in the region that plays quality football to the extent that they are promoted to Premier League.”
“As a league, we play a significant role in developing women’s soccer globally by feeding the Premier League and second tier to premier league with excellent players who knows what they are doing when it comes to women’s soccer.”
The growth of the women’s league has also led to an increase in opportunities for young players and it continues to make strides and fans are eagerly anticipating what the future holds for the league with the momentum building.
Tongogara went on to say that the league’s development program has seen a surge in applications with many talented Youngsters vying for a spot on their teams.
“The leagues development program has seen a rise in applications with many young and fresh talents wanting to be part of their teams. The age group is from Under 15 up to under 23.”
“One of the challenges we are facing as a league is sponsorship. We are pulling fillers out here to have a league sponsor and partners. Therefore, we are appealing to all possible sponsors to come through and assist us and believe they will never be disappointed because I see great talents within the teams,” Tongogara said.
Furthermore, the league so far has fifteen teams across the Province including Gweru Queens and has seen increase in participation from diverse communities with several teams fielding players from underrepresented backgrounds.
One female player from Gweru Queens who did not review her identity praised the league for putting her to spotlight and believing that in the coming season, she will be playing in Premier League teams.
“I am honored to be part of this league because I knew I loved soccer and had a talent but did not know what to do with it but since I started playing for Gweru Queens, I was nurtured in a way that I cannot even explain.
I am now in the spotlight and believe that in the coming seasons will also be playing for teams in the Premier League.
As the women’s league continues to make strides it is clear that the future of women’s soccer is bright, with growing popularity and a commitment to develop diversity hence the league is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
