Natalie Nyathi,
Former Auckaland Queens Manager Jerrymike Gumbo believes Women’s Football in Zimbabwe lacks funds and visionary leadership.
Gumbo said the women’s game will be forever stunted as long as there are issues of management, shortage of funds, visionary leadership amongst other ills.
“In the past there was unity amongst players, coaches, administration and leadership. The current setup is not healthy as maladministration is leading to a lot of clubs facing collapse”, added Gumbo.
Gumbo also said in order to rescue women’s football a lot needs to be done which includes establishment of schools of excellence like what was established in the Northern Region. He also called for the establishment of national junior teams.
” For the Mighty Warriors to return to their former glory, a new crop is needed to replace the veterans that have been used for the last decade or two. Women’s football is improving at a blistering pace yet Zimbabwe is moving in reverse”, said the former Auckaland manager.
Zimbabwe has a premier league for Women called the ZWSL. It consists of sixteen teams, below it there are four regional 1st divisions . In Bulawayo and Harare Provinces there are 2nd divisions, however, the issue of sponsorship has hampered the growth of the women’s game. Infighting and factionalism have also contributed to the stunted growth of women’s football.