FAITH NDOU
GUTU-Rufaro High School’s dominance in girls’ football continues to grow with the school once again proving why it remains the benchmark for excellence in Masvingo after lifting the NASH U20 provincial title.
A solitary strike from Natasha Chibvongodze was all Rufaro needed to edge St Joseph High School of Zaka 1-0 in a tense and entertaining final played at Dewure High School in Gutu District.
The winning moment not only secured provincial glory but reinforced Rufaro High School’s growing reputation as a conveyor belt of elite girls’ football talent.
While the scoreline suggested a narrow contest, Rufaro’s display reflected discipline, composure and a winning mentality that has become synonymous with the school’s football programme.
For team manager Kundai Maromo, the victory was another reward for the hard work invested by the players.
“We are happy that we won the NASH provincial competition in the Under-20 age group after beating St Joseph 1-0 in the final. The players fought until the end. We are now preparing to go to the nationals with our Under-20 team, having also qualified previously with our Under-16 side,” said Maromo.
The triumph books Rufaro Highs School’s place at the national finals in Marondera where they will carry provincial hopes alongside Pamushana High School, who won the boys’ title after defeating hosts Dewure High School 1-0.
What makes Rufaro’s latest achievement even more remarkable is that it comes barely a week after the school’s Under-16 girls side won the national title at Mucheke Stadium.
Those victories are no coincidence.
Rufaro High School’s Under-16 and Under-20 teams form the backbone of Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League side Rufaro Starlets Academy FC, creating a pathway that continues to nurture and expose young talent at the highest level.
Now, with provincial gold secured and another national challenge ahead, Rufaro High School players are not just collecting trophies, they are building a legacy.
Meanwhile, Rufaro Starlets Academy return to league action this weekend and will host Caps United Royals on Sunday at Mucheke Stadium.
