Young Footballer Saves the Day in Mutare Girls’ Tournament Focused on Empowerment
By Elizabeth Kucherera
A friendly girls’ football tournament in Mutare became a showcase for talent and a powerful statement against drugs and early marriages, with young players like Yeukai Chipise stepping into the spotlight.
The event, bringing together four local teams – Mutare City Queens, Getty Queens, Eastview Queens, and Shekon Queens – was hosted by the office of Honourable Getrude Mutandi, the Women’s Quota representative for Manicaland Province. Her Personal Assistant, Dambudziko August, represented her and emphasized the core mission.
“Protecting the girl child is vital for building a strong society,” August stated. “We cannot have thriving communities without well-raised young women. That’s why we start early – catching them young through programs like this.”
“Our main goal with this sports program is fighting drugs and early marriages,” August explained. “We use sport to keep our girls busy and engaged, while also providing them with guidance and counseling from experienced mothers.”
The tournament highlighted promising young players, many still in school:
Yeukai Chipise, a Form 3 student (approx. 15-16 years old) from Sakubva High School, made a crucial save for Getty Queens, preventing a draw during their match.
Dean Karuma, another Form 3 striker from Sakubva High, scored a goal in the first half for her team
Cristabel Chinyowa, a Form 3 player from Elise Gledhill High School, impressed coaches and supporters alike with her skills as a key attacker (“striker”) for Getty Queens. Her performance brought smiles to the crowd.
These players represent the positive impact Hon. Mutandi’s initiative aims for – using sport to nurture talent and provide alternatives to negative influences.
Getty Queens head coach, Ms. Simba Kasayi, strongly supported the focus on young girls.
“`Catch them young` and `leaving no one behind` are powerful principles our country embraces,” Kasayi said. “Hon. Getrude Mutandi has shown she truly follows our President’s mantra of `leaving no one behind` by investing in these girls.”
Zenzele Mushayavanhu, head coach of Mutare City Council-owned Mutare City Queens, also praised Hon. Mutandi’s practical support during the event. Her office provided lunch for all participants.
“I sincerely thank Honourable Mutandi for providing food for all the players,” Mushayavanhu said. “May her resources never run dry so she can continue supporting future programs for our girls.”
Following his thanks, Coach Mushayavanhu highlighted a critical need for the continued growth of girls’ sports in the community. He appealed to the Mutare City Council for support.
“To truly empower our girls in sport,” Mushayavanhu urged, “we need the City Council to help. We need them to provide water bowsers [mobile water tanks] and mobile toilets at these events. Ensuring these basic facilities shouldn’t be Hon. Mutandi’s burden alone.”
The tournament successfully combined exciting football action with a vital community message: supporting young girls through sport is key to building a brighter future, free from drugs and early marriage, but requires collective effort, including better infrastructure.
