LAST week, the women’s football league received a huge shot in the arm after Yadah Stars Football Club owner Walter Magaya extended his benevolence with an injection of US$320 000 into the game through his Heart Group.
Magaya has been doing a lot to aid the development of the game, including the establishment of Heart Stadium which now hosts both Premier League and Division One football, taking some of the pressure off Rufaro Stadium.
With his team in trouble over failing to fulfil contractual obligations with Brazilian players that it signed last year, one would not have envisaged Magaya dipping into his pockets to sponsor the women’s league.
We commend him for his efforts to uplift the girl child.
Herentals women’s football team is doing well as it pushes for a Caf Champions League place, a testament to women’s teams having potential to bring glory to the nation.
Women’s league head Theresa Maguraushe summed it all up when she said sponsors were willing to partner them because they have been doing some good work on the administrative side.
“We celebrate their legacy as we embrace this new era of growth and opportunity. The historic sponsorship is a testament to the power of women’s football and we are committed to continuing the trailblazers’ work, empowering future generations and propelling the sport forward,” Maguraushe said.
“As we launch this overwhelming sponsorship, let us emulate our partner for placing his heart on the most exciting game of women’s football. This should not be the end, but the beginning of a brighter future for women’s football and the girl child.”
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Over the years, we have seen a lot of money being pumped into the men’s game while the women’s side has been starved.
Some of the Premier League sides have resisted the requirements of club licensing to establish and run women’s teams.
But some individuals and corporates like Magaya and Herentals Group, to mention a few, have chosen to walk with the women’s league, which should be commended by all.
We hope other clubs that have resources will invest in the women’s game.
Recently, the Zambia national women’s football team competed at the 2024 Olympic Games held in Paris, France, although it did not win a medal.
It was that nation’s 15th appearance at the Summer Olympics, all because the team enjoys good financial support.
Some years back, the Mighty Warriors used to be the queens of the region, dismissing opponents at ease and qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The reasons for the slump in performance are many, including a Fifa ban only lifted last year.
Zambia have also raised their game in terms of the development of women’s football and are thus reaping the rewards.
But with individuals and corporates like Magaya, there is hope now that we can build formidable national teams, drawing players from the national league.
It has been demonstrated before that with support, the women’s team can go far.
