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Veronica Gwaze Sports Reporter

Ngezi Platinum Queens were crowned the Northern Region Women Football pre-season tournament champions at a six-team contest at Ellis Robins High School.

The Mhondoro-based side finished the tournament without tasting defeat in the preliminary round, beating Cyclone Queens 1-0 in the final while Dynamos Queens settled for bronze after overpowering University of Zimbabwe 2-0 in a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw in the third/fourth place match.

Ngezi Platinum unveiled their technical team, which is led by Yohane Chikaola, who is also the Mighty Warriors assistant coach.  Chikaola is being assisted by former Mighty Warriors goalkeeper Onai Chingawo, fitness trainer Charlene Moyo, while Brian Ngwenya is the team’s security person.  A recently assembled Ngezi Platinum Queens side is part of the club’s commitment to fulfil their obligations of having a female football team to be eligible for continental club football as part of Confederation of African Football resolutions.

Chikaola showered praises on his team for making a lasting impression on their maiden appearance.

“We were the new kids on the block. Most people and teams came to watch us and I think they had expectations based on our men’s team, the reigning PSL champions, so they wanted to see how we were going to impose ourselves as first timers,”                                       he said.

“We have only had a short time between assembling the team and preparations, but I am happy that they showed a lot of potential.

“Our team is in the right direction; we are work in progress.”

With the league meant to commence at the weekend, Chikaola said indications are that there will be intense competition in the season’s campaign.

“The level of competition was good, most established teams that came to compete showed the same level of competition with us, so if we are to make an impact in our debut season, we have to double our work rate,” he said.

NRWSL chairperson Peter Gonyora said the formation of the women football clubs is in line with FIFA‘s drive to empower the girl child.  He commended local clubs for complying with the world football governing body and also giving girls equal opportunities to their male counterparts.

“It is an inspiration to young girls to pursue their dreams and challenge the longstanding stereotypes. The game is also an avenue of empowering girls to keep them away from teen pregnancies and marriages,” he said.  The league will also champion issues of drug and substance abuse, as well as domestic violence issues because as athletes, these girls have the influence of spreading strong messages in the community.”

The nine-team NRWSL is scheduled to commence at the weekend with all the league’s matches to be played at Ellis Robins High School and UZ grounds throughout the season.