The Zimbabwean women’s football league has received a much-needed boost with a $320 000 sponsorship deal from Prophet Walter Magaya, owner of the Heart group of companies.
The unveiling of the sponsorship, which saw the league being renamed the Heart League, took place at Magaya’s Yadah Hotel in WaterFalls, Harare, on Friday evening.
The event was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders, including government ministries, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC), the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, premier league teams, business people, football administrators, and other key figures in the sporting landscape.
Even the ZIFA Normalisation Committee (NC), which has previously been less than enthusiastic about Magaya’s events, was present, represented by the association’s general secretary Yvonne Manwa and NC Committee member and Mighty Warriors legend Rosemary Mugadza.
First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment, was the guest of honour in absentia. In her address, read on her behalf by Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata, she praised Magaya’s generous donation as a game-changer for women’s football in Zimbabwe.
“This momentous occasion is a statement of unwavering commitment of various stakeholders and individuals in our society like Prophet Walter Magaya to compliment the government in fostering equality and inclusivity in all spheres of life including sport,” Mnangagwa said.
She highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for all Zimbabweans, regardless of gender, to pursue their passions and reach their full potential. “This sponsorship deal by the Heart group of companies ably led by the visionary Prophet Walter Magaya is a game changer for women football in Zimbabwe,” she said. “We believe that this initiative will provide the much needed financial support to recapitalize the women football league, creating a platform for our female athletes to flourish and showcase their exceptional talent.”
Mnangagwa, deeply passionate about empowering local women, sees this sponsorship as a crucial step in that direction. “Women have the power to excel in all spheres of life including sport,” she stated. “Football offers a powerful platform for women and girls to achieve personal growth, challenge societal norms, and contribute to an inclusive world. The Mighty Warriors have consistently demonstrated immense talent and potential of Zimbabwe women. The support shown by Prophet Magaya through his generous sponsorship is truly exemplary and should be emulated by many.”
The First Lady believes the launch of the Heart League marks a new era for women’s football in the country. “This investment will play a significant role in transforming the women football league into a topflight professional league, providing our female athletes with the resources and opportunities they deserve,” she said. “It will also empower the girl child, inspire a new generation of female footballers to dream big and chase their goals.”
The sponsorship deal is a significant boost for the women’s football league, which has been underfunded and neglected in recent years. This is the first time that the league has had a title sponsor since 2013 when it was backed by Marange Resources.
The sponsorship will provide much-needed resources for the 16 league teams, including sets of home and away playing kits, traveling gear, and other accessories. The teams will also participate in a knockout competition, whose draw was conducted during the unveiling ceremony.
Magaya, who owns Yadah FC, which plays in the premier league, has a history of supporting various sporting development projects in the country, including sponsoring the Warriors, the Sables, and other initiatives. He expressed his commitment to continuing this support, particularly for women’s sports.
“Our focus as a company this time is on women football after analyzing that it had not been having any sponsor for the past decade. We thought we must give a hand and make sure that we uplift the women’s game by sponsoring them. I want to pledge that we are going to do more if we are allowed, so that we support football, netball and whatever sport code we would be given an opportunity to support,” Magaya said.
The sponsorship has been met with widespread praise from various stakeholders. Yvonne Manwa, ZIFA’s general secretary, expressed gratitude for Magaya’s gesture, highlighting its positive impact on women’s football.
“Your unwavering support for women’s football is a testament to your commitment to the development of our sport, and to the empowerment of women in Zimbabwe,” Manwa said.
“Your belief in the potential of our female athletes and your investment in their future will resonate far beyond the pitch, inspiring a new generation of young girls to dream big and strive for excellence.”
The SRC director, Eltah Nengomasha, believes the sponsorship marks a significant milestone in the journey of women’s football in the country, while ZOC chief executive officer Marlene Gadzirayi reckons it will transform the fortunes of the league.
“Sport has the power to transform lives, foster unity, and inspire generations,” Gadzirayi said. “However, for our athletes to reach their full potential, they require unwavering support and resources. Sponsorships like the one we celebrate today are crucial in providing our female footballers with the necessary tools to excel, both on and off the pitch.”
She highlighted the potential of women’s football to reach even greater heights on the international stage, drawing attention to Zimbabwe’s past successes.
“At Zimbabwe’s 10th appearance at the Olympics, when our women’s football team (the Mighty Warriors) represented Zimbabwe at the Rio Olympics in 2016, it was a testament to the talent and dedication of our female athletes,” she said.
“Tokyo 2020 came, the Mighty Warriors were not there, Paris 2024 came to a conclusion a few days ago, and again the Mighty Warriors were not there. As we look ahead to the Los Angeles, USA, in 2028, we are committed to building upon the success of our local league and at national level to ensure that we will have a women’s football team that will be well-prepared to compete at the highest level. With dedicated sponsorship like this, we are confident that the league will continue to grow and attract more players, more coaches, and definitely more fans.”
Gadzirayi emphasized the importance of providing improved resources for the athletes, enabling them to reach their full potential.
“With improved resources, our female footballers will have access to better training facilities, equipment, and coaching, enabling them to reach new heights in their performance,” she said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for this commitment to supporting women’s football in Zimbabwe. This sponsorship not only provides tangible resources but also sends a powerful message about the value and potential of our female athletes. Just to note that of the 8 Olympic medals that Zimbabwe has… the percentage that has been contributed by women is 100 percent,” she said.
The Heart League is poised to become a beacon of hope for women’s football in Zimbabwe, offering a platform for female athletes to showcase their talent and reach new heights.
