…As Una Una lifts Independence trophy
Beverly Bizeki/Perpetua Murungweni
Shine Shine Queens FC on April 18, 2023 made a statement on why they are in the Women Premier Soccer League after a 7-0 thumping of police side ZRP Queens at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo on Independence Day.
The match was played as a curtain raiser to the main match that featured Masvingo United and Mabvuku FC all the way from Harare.
Shine Shine Queens Coach Takaendesa Mavesere applauded the team for the performance but however said the team had a lot coming its way as a premier league team.
“Partly they performed well although their ball distribution was very poor. In terms of scoring, they did well and I am happy we got a lot of goals as this has become a culture in our club. We wish they can keep up the standard as there is stiffer competition over the next level,” said Mavesere.
Mavesere however lamented lack of support from Masvingo business community as the team lacks on resources.
“We have prepared a team for the next season but our challenge is they have nothing, not even soccer jerseys, at the same time our league has capacitance teams and so far we have nothing.
“We are appealing to everyone who can assist us in any way possible even with sanitary wear, food and transport. We also urge the business community to partner with us,” urged Mavesere.
ZRP Queens Elvis Matema said the match was an eye opener for the team as most of the players were playing for the first time.
“Most of our players are playing for the first time, due to the nature of our work. Most of our people are always being transferred and some are denied by their husbands while some might fall pregnant, so our team is bound to change at any given moment.
“Our opponents were a bit quicker and technically they are gifted than us,” said Matema.
Matema also called for more participation of women in sports.
“We are fighting for space as female competitors. This could be a first of its kind that during an Independence occasion there be an exhibition of a ladies’ match and we are hoping that as time goes, there can be a ladies’ match curtain raised by a men’s match,” said Matema.
The premier league is set for the 29th of this month and Shine Shine Queens will play about 14 teams from across the country.
Masvingo United put aside 2022 Independence Cup final loss to Shamva-based Simba Bhora FC as they dispatched Mabvuku 5-3 in the dreaded penalty shootout.
Playing at home, Una Una as the side is well-known, managed to hold their nerves with their goalkeeper proving to be a stumbling block for the visitors after saving two spot kicks.
The match had ended one-all though the visiting Mabvuku had a fair share of chances in attacks which Masvingo managed to contain before finding the opener late in the first half.
After the break, Mabvuku found the equalizer which then set the tone for the heartbreaking spot kicks.
The win sent Masvingo fans into wild celebrations as the sizeable crowd broke into songs and dances at the province’s ceremonial home of football.
