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as they tussle for the Unity Challenge Cup with our South African neighbours.
This is another landmark achievement for womanhood in Zimbabwe.
Close to thirty two years of independence and national sovereignty, today’s matches will prove that even if women are still in the kitchen, they are also everywhere, and very capable of handling various responsibilities with dexterity, responsibilities which were the preserve of their male counterparts, and which were also closed to them due to racism.
Some of you readers are worried that I never seem to learn from mistakes because the second time I tried to write about the people’s sport – soccer, there was a major outcry. You flunked me big time. But, hold on to those brick bats, because as the saying goes, “ignorance is bliss”.
I reflect on today’s game and the prevailing unity in our nation by asserting that women have always been catalysts of unity and transformation both at family and national levels, and they have also been at the centre although there are times when they seem overshadowed. As givers of life through fecundity, their responsibilities are to unite.
Recently, New Africa magazine devoted its lead story to how Africa’s First Ladies influence the colour and nature of politics of their respective nations. Pillow talk was the name of the game, and that is ultimate unity.
Today, as a nation, we are all at Rufaro Stadium, physically and/or through the television and radio stations, watching our Mighty Warriors clashing with their South African team mates, Banyana Banyana, in what is expected to be a thrilling match. As we do so, I take readers back to 1980.
Ten days before Zimbabwe got its independence on April 18, its young and first Minister of Sport, Youth and Recreation now Vice President Joyce Teurai Ropa Mujuru opened that passage for women and heralded a new era – an era of equal opportunities, self-actualisation and empowerment. She shattered that glass ceiling for her generation, and generations to come.
Her bold kicking of the soccer ball to mark the start of the Rothmans Champion of Champions soccer trophy match in a stadium full of men said it all.
In one of the photos taken by the National Observer, she was flanked by Mr Osman Khan, Chairman of the of the NPSL, Deputy Minister and former governor of Midlands Province Cde Cephas Msipa and secretary of the NPSL Mr Manikidza Nyoni.
The transformations in the sport and the active participation in sporting activities by women can be seen through the transformations in VP Mujuru’s life. As I went through her picture file before that age of digitalisation, I saw a young cabinet minister getting transformed through every stage she was part of.
This issue celebrates and toasts all our women sports personalities and their achievements. We celebrate their exploits, their talent, their resilience and their desire and fearlessness to raise the Zimbabwean flag in foreign territories.
We salute Rose Mugadza and Mavis Gumbo for adding value to these young women whose lives would otherwise be not worth it. You have kept the fire burning – a hearth where we all seek warmth.
And to the girls – Onai Chingawo, Chido Dzingirai, Manyara Mandara, Ruvimbo Mutyavaviri, Patience Mujuru, Danai Bhobho, Nobuhle Majika, Lynette Mutokuto, Talent Mandaza, Emma Msipa, Tsitsi Mairosi, Nokhutula Ndlovu, Marjoury Nyaumwe, Sheila Makoto, Erina Jeke, Kuda Basopo, Panashe Masitara, Rudo Neshamba, Samukelisiwe Zulu, Violet Bepete, Locadia Mugavazi and Rutendo Makore – you will cement our unity through a win. Even the under-twenty team should do the same. You have pioneers that showed the way.
The unifying element emanates from the fact that you come from various teams across the country. An analysis of your names also shows that you are from various ethnic groupings. It is hoped that other racial groups will in future be proud to play women soccer for the nation.
Then we have the queen of international waters and golden medal woman Kirsty Coventry who has won more medals than any sportswoman.
This year, she was crowned Sportsperson of the Year for the third time. She was also crowned Sportswoman of the Year. She will unite the nation next year at the London Olympics where we are confident that she will bring the nation more gold medals.
Cara Black, the tennis ace who comes from an all-tennis family is another delight who started professional tennis at a young age. Some people have made preposterous suggestions: both Kirsty and Cara should change nationalities? Why should they, if the Zimbabwean flag is their ONLY preference?
We also have other women competing in other sporting disciplines, and some of them still need to be “discovered”.
However years back, we had Lorraine Muringi who entered a truly male domain as professional boxing promoter. There are hundreds of women sports personalities dotted around the country. We celebrate their achievements, and sincerely hope that Government and the private sector and other stake holders start giving optimum support, including financial support so that their talents can be realized. We have lost some of them to other countries when they are offered lucrative deals like scholarships.
However, women’s sport is where it is due to media coverage – both print and electronic media. And, sport is one area where you see harmony between media houses.
Although media reporting is still largely male dominated, there are some women who are making history.
The likes of Grace Chingoma and Ellina Mhlanga at The Herald; Merit Munzwembiri at ZTV; former Radio Zimbabwe presenter Thenjiwe Tshuma; Mercy Ndlovu of National FM and Patricia Jacob at Radio Zimbabwe to name but a few. They have enhanced the girl child’s position in sport -recording her narrative.
I have listened to Patricia Jacob (PJ) doing soccer commentaries, which I hope she will be doing today, and have wondered at her knowledge of the game, be it local, regional and/or international.
Recently I spoke with PJ, who said she is with Radio Zimbabwe because she enjoys “interacting with people in local languages. I understand our local languages better than any other foreign language”.
PJ says she loves sport because she grew up as a sports person.
“I was a sports captain at high school, therefore, sporting is in me. It’s like my breathing. Apart from soccer, I am also into cricket and tennis, though soccer is my best.
“I follow-up soccer activities be it local, regional or international on TV sporting channels. I increase my knowledge and understanding by reading sporting news in newspapers; by discussing sporting or soccer issues with fellow sports journalists and supporters of various soccer outfits. My husband also helps me because he loves soccer as well, and he inspires me to do more.”
Commenting on women soccer in Zimbabwe and today’s match in particular, PJ said,
“It is improving, and we should give thumps up to Mavis Gumbo and her team. We now have a women’s league.”
She however suggested, “The brand needs to be aggressively advertised so that it matches male soccer. I wish the Mighty Warriors good luck in their game with Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the Unity Challenge Cup at Rufaro Stadium.”
PJ also said that men should have patience with women. “Women need more time to study and understand the game of football. Today’s match makes me happy because it shows that society is legitimising the importance and rights of women soccer to a higher level by publicising it during such a special commemoration.”
Well said, as the girl child unites the nation through sport and, as “women football communicates the ethos of national unity.”