THE stage is set for the inaugural The Heart Women Soccer Knockout Tournament scheduled for September 18 to 22 at Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare.
Preparations are in full swing to ensure the smooth flow of the inaugural edition of the league.
The Heart Women Soccer League chairperson Theresa Maguraushe is thrilled about the staging of tournament.
“This tournament is a milestone for women’s soccer in Zimbabwe and we’re proud to be leading the charge. It’s time to celebrate our talented players and inspire a new generation of female footballers,” she said.
“The Heart Women Soccer Knockout Championship is more than just a tournament, it’s a statement of intent. We’re here to stay, and we’re here to make our mark on the soccer world.
“We’re grateful for the support of our sponsors and partners, who believe in the power of women’s soccer. Together, we can achieve great things and create a brighter future for our players.”
In a groundbreaking move, a technical sound group comprising the league’s technical experts, including former Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede, will utilise a scientific approach to determine individual award winners, allocating points to players based on their match contributions.
This innovative method ensures a fair and transparent process for recognising outstanding performances.
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Tournament director Arthur Gorejena said they are leaving no stone unturned to deliver the best tournament for the women.
“We’re thrilled to host this groundbreaking tournament, showcasing the best of Zimbabwe’s women’s soccer talent. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication and passion,” he said.
“Our goal is to create a world-class experience for players, officials and fans. We’re committed to making this tournament a resounding success.
“The Heart Women Soccer Knockout Championship is more than just a tournament — it’s a platform for empowering women in sports and inspiring future generations.”
All the 16 participating teams have submitted their squads for registration and accommodation arrangements have been finalised at the Yadah Hotel.
The prizes for the tournament have also been confirmed, with the winner set to receive US$10 000, a trophy and gold medals.
Representing the sponsor, The Heart Group, Wellington Mpandare, the tournament’s general manager, said teams have been booked for the duration of the tournament. Even if they get eliminated on the first day, they are free to stay at the hotel until the end of the tournament.
“We are proud to support this pioneering initiative, promoting women’s soccer and community development. It aligns perfectly with our values and commitment to empowering women,” he said.
“The Heart Women Soccer Knockout Championship is an exciting opportunity for us to connect with our audience and demonstrate our dedication to women’s sports.
“Through this partnership, we aim to make a positive impact on the lives of these talented athletes and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”
With all logistical and technical aspects in place, the focus now shifts to the teams as they prepare to battle it out for the top prize.
The Heart Women Soccer Knockout Championship promises to be an exciting and competitive representation of women’s soccer talent in Zimbabwe.