FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Defending Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League champions, Herentals Queens ruthlessly hammered newcomers Rufaro Starlets by 10 goals without a reply.
The one sided encounter was played at the home of Masvingo football, Mucheke Stadium on Sunday.
The emphatic victory came barely a week after Herentals Queens dismantled new comers Rise of Hope Academy 14-0, further underlining their devastating attacking power and dominance in front of goal.
From the opening whistle, Herentals Queens controlled proceedings with pace, confidence and clinical finishing, leaving Rufaro Starlets chasing shadows for most of the afternoon.
Despite the heavy defeat, Rufaro Starlets showed flashes of promising football but lack of experience and composure proved costly against a well-drilled and ruthless Herentals side.
The latest victory sees Herentals Queens continue their impressive run after scoring 24 goals in just two matches and an astonishing 37 goals in six games this season.
Herentals Queens FC are reigning ZWPSL champions for the fourth time in a row and currently preparing for the lucrative CAF Champions League matches.
Speaking after the match, coach Simbarashe Dedza praised his players for maintaining consistency and focus.
“The girls played very well from the start of the season. We haven’t lost any game and it shows where we are going, but it is still early to talk about the league title. However, we are going for it,” said Dedza.
Attention now shifts to their midweek clash against Chapungu Queens, a fixture expected to provide another stern test for the defending champions.
“We have a tough midweek fixture against Chapungu Queens. It’s a top-of-the-table battle and we aim to apply our game plan very well and collect maximum points. With the confidence and momentum that the girls have, we won’t go wrong,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rufaro Starlets coach Langton Giwa remained positive despite the painful defeat, saying his youthful side continues to learn with every game.
“The girls played well though we lost the game. We were playing former champions, so in terms of discipline and experience, we were overcome,” said Giwa.
He added that his players are gradually adapting to top-flight football.
“We started with big teams, but soon the results will come. The girls are adapting to the game of football,” he said.
Rufaro Starlets will now turn their focus to another difficult assignment against Platinum Royals at Mandava Stadium in the midweek fixtures.
“It’s another tough test but we believe the girls will show character,” added Giwa.
For now, Herentals Queens FC continue to send a strong message to the rest of the league with their ruthless attacking form and commanding performances.
