THE Zimbabwe Women's Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) is scheduled to kick off on April 5, following resolutions made at Saturday's annual general meeting (AGM) held at Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls, Harare.
ZWPSL chairperson Theresa Maguraushe proposed a minute of silence to be observed in memory of Correctional Queens player Priscilla Tshuma, who passed away in December last year.
"December 25, 2024, was a tragic day for ZWPSL as we mourned the loss of Priscilla, whose life was senselessly cut short when she was stabbed by her uncle in Plumtree. She left behind a husband and daughter," said Maguraushe during the presentation of her 2024 activity report.
"As a tribute to Priscilla, I humbly request that all Week 1 matches of the upcoming season commence with a minute of silence in honour of her memory."
Maguraushe also acknowledged the Heart Group of Companies and their president, Prophet Walter Magaya, for sponsoring the league and knockout tournament last year. She also appreciated the support from OpenGold Holdings and its managing director, Vincent Chawonza, for the prize money and medals during the inaugural Heart Women Soccer League Tournament.
"We want to thank Prophet Magaya and The Heart Group for their passionate and dedicated sponsorship of our league during challenging times," she said.
"We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to OpenGold Holdings and Mr. Chawonza for their generous sponsorship of the Heart Tournament's prize monies and medals."
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The chairperson also recommended the establishment of ad hoc committees for finance, competitions, development, media and marketing, and legal and player status to ensure the efficiency and effective running of the ZWPSL.
Zifa vice-president Loveness Wadzanai Mukura presented the ZWPSL financial report for the end-of-season league 2024 in her capacity as the former ZWPSL board member of finance. Harare City Queens' administrator Mercy Makuwatsine took over the reins from Mukura, joining the board as the new board member in charge of finance. She tabled her 2025 season budget, which was adopted by Congress.
Prophet Magaya was presented with a plaque by ZWPSL board member marketing Sizolwethu Dube in appreciation of the sponsorship he gave the league last season.
Zifa’s Ivy Mukahanana also graced the AGM, while newly-promoted league sides, Cranborne Royals, Kwekwe Queens, Mpopoma Sports Academy and Red Buffaloes, were officially welcomed into the ZWPSL family.
The 2024 season awards ceremony has been scheduled to take place next month.
Maguraushe also acknowledged the vital support from Fifa through the Fifa Forward Grant.
"We are grateful that Zifa availed the Fifa Forward Grant to all 16 clubs, providing a timely boost to women's football," she said. "The grant consisted of two installments of US$5 000 each, totaling US$10 000, aimed at subsidising club operations."
Maguraushe further highlighted the joint efforts by Fifa and Zifa in covering referees' fees throughout the season, ensuring seamless match operations. The league received a separate allocation of US$10 000 from the Fifa Forward Grant, dedicated to sustaining and administering its operations.
"We express our sincere gratitude to Fifa and Zifa for recognising and supporting the League's pivotal role in developing and growing women's football," Maguraushe said.
