FAITH NDOU
Masvingo – The Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) is back in Masvingo, with top-flight action set to take shape this April as Rufaro Starlets Football Club makes their debut.
The Gutu-based side will kick off their 2026 campaign on April 25 at Mucheke Stadium where they will face Mpopoma Sports Academy.
Rufaro won the promotion after finishing at the summit of Eastern Region Division 1 League in 2025.
Mucheke Stadium was approved to host Premier League matches following the homologation by inspectors. However, minor recommendations were made including the installation of aluminium goalposts and trimming of grass around the stands.
The development also marks the return of top-flight women’s football to Mucheke Stadium which last hosted ZWPSL action in 2023 when Shine Shine Queens FC was relegated.
Speaking to the Midweek Watch, Rufaro High School Sports Director, Tichaona Chademana, expressed confidence in both the team’s preparedness and the readiness of the venue.
“Our fixtures are starting on the 25th of April. The team is ready for kick-off, although we had taken a short break to allow our junior players to participate in the recent CAF Schools Under-15 finals and the ongoing Under-17 World Cup qualifiers,” said Chademana.
He highlighted that Rufaro Starlets’ development programme continues to focus on building technically sound, physically fit and mentally strong players.
“As an institution, we remain confident in the preparedness of our players to compete at higher levels. We have consistently nurtured technical excellence, tactical understanding, and strong character. Our players have shown steady growth and are well-positioned to compete in top-flight football and represent Masvingo Province with distinction,” he added.
The 2026 season will feature a 16-team format following resolutions made at the league’s AGM.
Newly promoted teams include Rufaro Starlets, Kwekwe Queens, Ngezi Platinum Stars Queens, Rise of Hope Academy and Lobengula City Queens. Kwekwe Queens replaced Sheasham Gweru Queens who withdrew from the league.
Other teams competing in the league include Herentals Queens who have won the league four times on the bounce since 2022, Chapungu Queens, Black Rhinos Queens, Correctional Queens, Platinum Royals, Harare City Queens, Conduit Soccer Academy, Faith Drive Academy and Highlanders Royals.
The return of the ZWPSL to Masvingo marks a significant milestone for the province, offering local fans a chance to witness elite competition while providing a platform for young female athletes to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.
