Rhino Cup Championship League (RCCL) has launched a women's soccer tournament for young
women in rural communities in order to empower them in the sporting arena.
RCCL which is working with a Wild and Free Foundation (WWF) partnered with Painted Dog
Conservation (PDC) an organisation that is into wildlife conservation. So far the soccer league is
made up of 10 teams all supported by RCCL Zimbabwe.
The RCCL Zimbabwe President Dominic Nyathi has confirmed that soccer equipment has been
secured. He urged the recipients to grab the opportunity with both hands and use it effectively as
they want the project to yield positive results that will change communities after a girl child has
been nurtured.
“We want to give equal opportunities to girls as those availed to boys. We want to nurture the girl
child soccer player that will one day bring a change to her community and remove the stereotype
that soccer is only for males. We want to keep our girl child occupied and away from bad intentions.
Those not good at playing football will be afforded chances to take up other sporting roles such as
coaching, refereeing, administration among others,” he said.
RCCL Zimbabwe CEO Ndodana Masuku said the initiative was mooted a while back but lack of
resources had been a major challenge in rolling out the discipline. He also hoped that the initiative
will keep the girl child occupied and away from early pregnancies, child marriages and drug and
substance abuse that has become rampant among scores of youths.
“Girls soccer was mooted long back but resources were still scarce and there was a stereotype that
soccer is only for boys so it took a while for a community to understand that girls are equal to boys
hence the launch in essence giving both genders equal opportunities. We are also trying to keep the
girl child occupied, reduce early pregnancies drug and substance abuse and prostitution. Our girl
child has been neglected for a long time hence we are giving them that opportunity to showcase
their skills and talent”, said Masuku.
Chapungu FC coach Sikhanyisiwe Ndlovu appreciated the efforts made by RCCL Zimbabwe and
encouraged other women to support the initiative.
“We are looking forward to a good start as Chapungu FC. We are fully prepared. We encourage
every woman to support this league and be part of it as it helps to keep us away from bad activities,”
said Ndlovu.
Nechilibi Queens coach, Privilege Kasongola echoed similar sentiments but emphasised that the
initiative will help reduce child marriages in the rural areas.
The teams which will benefit from the programme include, Lupote Eagles, Nechilibi Queens, Gwayi
Elephants, Songwa Buffaloes, Shumba Stars, Makwandara Young Sables FC, Chapungu FC, Aardvark
and Ilanda FC.
Meanwhile the teams have been divided into two pools. Pool A is made up of Chapungu FC, Songwa
Elephants, Shumba and Aardvark, and Chapungu had a perfect start of the season as they hammered
Songwa 3-0 with Aardvark and Shumba Stars playing to a goalless draw.