FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League side Harare City Queens ended their long wait for an away victory after thrashing Rufaro Starlets Academy 3-0 at Mucheke Stadium yesterday.
The victory saw Harare City Queens move to seventh position on the log after 12 matches, with six wins, two draws and four defeats for a total of 20 points.
Rufaro Starlets Academy, meanwhile, remain on 10 points after 12 matches, having recorded three wins, one draw and eight defeats.
Despite the defeat, Rufaro Starlets Academy head coach Langton Giwa believes his side is showing signs of improvement after facing one of the league’s big teams.
Giwa, who coached Harare City Queens last season, said his charges were undone by an early mistake while the injury to captain Ropafadzo Maferefa forced him to alter his tactical approach.
“We played against Harare City Queens, the team that I was coaching last year. The game was very difficult but the girls played well. We conceded the first goal from a mistake,” said Giwa.
“I do not feel hurt when we play big teams and lose by such a margin. This shows improvement. Our skipper, Ropafadzo MaferefaNhad an injury and that cost us. We were forced to change our system of play.”
Giwa said his side was already looking ahead to its next match against Cranborne Royals.
“We expect to win our next game against Cranborne Royals.”
The match also provided an emotional moment as Rufaro Starlets Academy forward Promise Tonganai faced her mother, Harare City Queens player Nomaly Mandimandi.
Giwa said such encounters were important in the development of his players.
“What makes me happy is that when my players play against big teams, they learn a lot.”
He also revealed that the club had recruited two players during the mid-season window including one from Mpopoma Sports Academy as they look to strengthen their squad and avoid relegation.
Meanwhile, Harare City Queens head coach Rosemary Mugadza was delighted with the result, describing it as the club’s first away victory of the season.
“We are thrilled to have got three points away from home because we have been bad travellers since the beginning of the season. This is our first away win,” said Mugadza.
The victory comes at a crucial time for Harare City Queens, who are now preparing to face log leaders Chapungu Queens.
“The win boosts our confidence going into an encounter against log leaders Chapungu Queens and we hope the girls will get confidence from this win,” Mugadza said.
“We are happy because they did exactly what we practised during the week. Although we created many chances and missed some, the only thing we wanted was three points and we are happy.”
The victory could prove to be a turning point for Harare City Queens, who will now carry their renewed confidence into a daunting clash against log leaders Chapungu Queens. For Rufaro Starlets Academy, the focus shifts to Cranborne Royals, where they will be desperate to turn their promising performances into points.
