Emmanuel Chitsika
Masvingo based Women Premier Soccer league debutants Shine Shine Queens have honoured their club’s top performers by awarding them medals as the team is raring to go and showcase their talent in the top flight.
The club still operating without a sponsor rewarded its outstanding players for the just ended Eastern Region Division 1 season at a colourful ceremony held on January 20, 2023 at Flamboyant Hotel.
Speaking to the gathering on behalf of the club’s patron Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, director of Economic Affairs and Investment Clever Chingwara said the club’s achievements and fairy tale run as well as exploits of the girl child is amazing.
He challenged members from the corporate world to chip in and support the girl child in support of government efforts towards women empowerment.
“It is my singular honour to preside over this inaugural Shine Shine Queens FC awards giving ceremony which is the first of its kind which comes at an ideal time when our government’s drive is to ensure 100 percent recognition of women in all their fields of endeavour.
“The team is the first in the Eastern region to bring premiership action to Masvingo thereby making history and I am particularly proud to be part of the initiative. As the club embarks on its football journey, let me appeal to all stakeholders to come on board and be part of this initiative which seeks to fully empower the girl child.
“In view of the above, may I take this opportunity to congratulate this team and their executive as well as all well-wishers who have and shall continue to support the club. Sport as a major economic driver plays a key role in advancing our President’s Vision 2030 since football has become business worldwide,” said Chingwara.
Chadzamira donated $1500 to the team.
Club coach Takaendesa Mavesere however gave a touching and emotional speech as he said the journey was not that easy as people would think in terms of fulfilling fixtures of which at times the girls would do so albeit on an empty stomach but remained focused to their cause.
“At times, I feel like I must cry for the road to promotion was not that easy and the club is thus far on merit but we faced quite a number of challenges as we struggled to fulfil our fixtures.
“It all started under the gum trees where the girls made a pledge to me that as a club we will bring premiership action to Masvingo. We had not kits or even balls but the girls remained committed to the cause. It’s not easy to tame the girl child at a time when some of them engage in various societal ills like drug abuses and even premarital sexual activities.
“What pains me the most is that Masvingo is home to quite a number of rich people who seem even not to care for the girl child. The girls remained focused despite the challenges but today we are here celebrating the success,” remarked Mavesere.
Among the top performers is the team’s captain Plaxedes Mushandu who scooped two medals for being the Best player and most disciplined while the golden boot went to Mavis Kanengoni. Chiyedza Dondofema was named the best defender and Paula Simwanja won the golden glove. Vice-captain Rosemary Mkandla was named the upcoming player and finally Pritty Mbwende got the youngest player award.
Richard Munyenye is the team’s assistant coach.
