-appeals for sponsorship
Faith Ndou
GUTU-Rufaro High School is set to represent Masvingo Province in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League following a historic promotion achieved in the school’s debut season.
The school’s girls soccer team, Rufaro Starlets, joined the Eastern Region Women Soccer League at the start of the 2025 season and secured promotion to the national top flight at the end of the campaign, marking a major milestone for both the institution and the province.
Speaking to Midweek Watch Rufaro High School Sports Director Tichaona Chademana attributed the achievement to teamwork, dedication and strong institutional support, noting that the football programme has become one of the school’s flagship initiatives.
“This promotion has put Rufaro High School on the map. Our vision is to remain competitive at this level while producing more national team players in the future,” said Chademana.
He highlighted that the team’s success has gone hand in hand with academic excellence, revealing that at least ten players from the title winning squad were Ordinary and Advanced Level candidates, all of whom passed their examinations.
However, Chademana acknowledged that competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League presents significant challenges including tougher competition, increased pressure and rising financial demands.
“To meet league requirements, we are planning to upgrade our stadium to meet Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League standards. We are also appealing for sponsorship to support the team,” he said.
He added that running a competitive academy requires more than passion with the school seeking support for essentials such as kits, school fees, uniforms and general team upkeep.
The promotion is expected to positively impact female sports development at Rufaro High School and within the wider community, inspiring more young girls to take up football and promoting gender equality in sport.
During the 2025 season, Rufaro Starlets also produced several players who represented Zimbabwe at regional and international tournaments. Hazel Kanyuru, Gladys Giwa and Natasha Chibvongodze featured at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Under-17 Tournament held in Namibia while Privilege Mashanda joined Hazel Kanyuru and Gladys Giwa at the Under-20 tournament, also hosted in Namibia. Promise Tonganai and Marian Mutezo represented the country at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Under-15 Tournament in South Africa.
The school was further represented at the Confederation of Southern African Schools Sports Associations Games in Eswatini by Hazel Kanyuru, Gladys Giwa, Whitney Masawinand Beyonce Mamvura. Hazel Kanyuru, Gladys Giwa, Emily Dube and Natasha Chibvongodze also took part in the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations Gift Tournament held in Harare.
As Rufaro Starlets prepare for life in the top flight, the school has called on corporate partners, stakeholders and well wishers to support a team that has already demonstrated excellence both on the field and in the classroom.
