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Samukeliso Silengane

Fungai Muderere, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Women’s Football vice-chairperson Samukeliso Silengane has challenged the Bulawayo Under-23 women’s soccer team that came tops in the Zimbabwe National Youth Games to consider issues to do with career development.

Bulawayo clinched gold by beating Manicaland 2-1 in the final, courtesy of a Peacemore Kandenge brace.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted at a local hotel for them on Sunday, Silengane said the players should not read much into problems they ran into at the Games.

“I’m a national leader who hails from Bulawayo and I’m naturally happy that you brought home a gold medal and the winners’ shield. Never mind the negative developments you experienced because you proved that you are real fighters, true sports people that are always determined to shine.

“We need you in this game and I would like to challenge you to consider issues to do with career development. We would greatly appreciate seeing the next professional footballers, female referees, coaches and club administrators coming from this lot. You should guard against being housewives and go and encourage your siblings and female neighbours to consider pursuing football as a career,” said Silengane.

Bulawayo-based women’s football officials that include Silengane, Belinda Maseko, Sinikiwe Sibanda, Bekezela Moyo, Sarah Maphosa, Dorothy Kasinhamodzi, Rose Phiri and Anele Tshuma were the brains behind the luncheon, which was also graced by Bulawayo Sports and Recreation Commission co-ordinator Sam Dzimbu.

Dzimbu heaped praise on team captain Nothabo Nkabinde, saying she had done the province proud.

“We are very grateful. You have done us proud and no wonder the best of Mighty Warriors’ players will always come from Bulawayo.

“The hardships that you encountered at the games should give you a good lesson on what kind of sporting people you are going to become.

“You actually went there as true soldiers with ideal weapons and brought the results.

“We also salute your coaches and parents. It’s now time to worry about the bigger chances to shine and we would want to see the positives you picked up from the games manifesting even in your families,” said Dzimbu.

To book their final berth, Bulawayo province, who boasted the services of goalkeeper Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Diana Nyika, Ayanda Sibanda, Blessed Gumede, Roselyn Takawira, Sazisile Phiri, Thobekile Ntombi, Faith Mpofu, Mitchell Gure and Kendenge, among others, edged 2013 champions Matabeleland South 1-0.

@FungaiMuderere