FIRST lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has expressed gratitude to Heart group of companies owner Walter Magaya after he unveiled a US$320 000 sponsorship deal for the domestic women top-flight league on Friday evening.
The glittering event was held at Magaya's Yadah Hotel in WaterFalls, Harare, and attended by various government ministries, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC), Footballers Union of Zimbabwe, premier league teams, business people, football adminstrators and other stakeholders.
The Zifa normalisation committee (NC), which previously snubbed Magaya's events, was present this time, represented by the association's general secretary Yvonne Manwa and NC committee member and Mighty Warriors legend Rosemary Mugadza.
Mnangagwa, a champion of women empowerment, was the guest of honour in absentia, and in her address read on her behalf by Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata, said Magaya's generous donation is a game changer and will help boost the league's profile and provide the much needed support for female athletes.
"This momentous occasion is a statement of unwavering commitment of various stakeholders and individuals in our society like Prophet Walter Magaya to complement the government in fostering equality and inclusivity in all spheres of life including sport," Mnangagwa said.
She said every Zimbabwean, regardless of gender, deserved equal opportunities 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. 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 is deeply passionate about empowering local women and sees this sponsorship, which saw the league being renamed the Heart League, as a crucial step in that direction.
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"Women have the power to excel in all spheres of life including sport. 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 the potential of Zimbabwe women. The support shown by Prophet Magaya through his generous sponsorship is truly exemplary and should be emulated by many."
Manwa thanked Magaya for his gesture, expressing Zifa's commitment to provide structures and the support necessary to ensure that the women's football league thrives.
"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. 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," Manwa said.
SRC director Eltah Nengomasha believes the sponsorship marks a significant milestone in the journey of women football in the country while ZOC chief executive officer Marlene Gadzirayi reckons it will transform the fortunes of women football.
"Sport has the power to transform lives, foster unity, and inspire generations. 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," Gadzirayi said.
Part of the sponsorship deal saw all the 16 league teams receiving sets of home and away playing kits, while they will also get traveling gear and other accessories. The teams will also participate in a knockout competition whose draw was conducted during the glittering unveiling ceremony.
Magaya, who owns Yadah FC which plays in the premier league and has previously sponsored the Warriors, the Sables and various other sporting development projects in the country, pledged more support to 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," Magaya said
"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."
The sponsorship came at a time when women football is underfunded and suffering from neglect and even derision.
This is the first time that the women football league will have a title sponsor since 2013 when it was backed by Marange Resources.
