FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-Rufaro Starlets Academy delivered one of their finest performances of the season, dismantling Ngezi Platinum Queens 5-0 at Mucheke Stadium this Wednesday to boost their survival hopes and underline their growing stature in the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League.
Despite fielding a squad largely made up of schoolgirls from Rufaro High School, the Masvingo-based outfit continues to defy expectations with composed and disciplined displays against more experienced opposition.
As Masvingo Province’s sole representative in the top flight, Rufaro Starlets are proving that youth is no barrier to competing with the country’s best.
The hosts made a dream start when Hazel Kanyuru found the back of the net in the fourth minute, setting the tone for a dominant afternoon.
Privilege Magagani doubled Rufaro’s advantage in the 35th minute before completing her brace just three minutes later as the home side tore through the Ngezi defence with confidence and precision.
Sixteen-year-old Tryne Sibanda then capped a brilliant first-half performance with Rufaro’s fourth goal in the 45th minute, sending the hosts into the break with an emphatic 4-0 lead.
Ngezi Platinum Queens emerged from the dressing room determined to salvage pride and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough.
They created several promising opportunities, but fortune deserted them in front of goal as Rufaro’s defence remained resolute.
Head coach Langton Giwa introduced Claudate Muchenje in the 63rd minute and the substitute put the icing on the cake by netting the fifth goal in the 78th minute to complete a memorable victory.
The result delighted Giwa, who said his side remains focused on avoiding relegation in their maiden top-flight campaign.
“Our main target is to avoid relegation. The girls are improving with every game, and today’s performance shows they are capable of competing in this league,” he said.
Giwa also revealed that the club has strengthened its squad with the addition of four new players, who are expected to play a key role during the second half of the season.
For Ngezi Platinum Queens, the defeat extended a difficult campaign, leaving the side still searching for its first victory after 15 league matches.
Head coach Yohane Chikaola attributed his team’s struggles to the transfer ban affecting Ngezi Platinum Stars, saying it has had a ripple effect across the entire Ngezi Platinum football structure.
“The transfer ban has affected the whole Ngezi Platinum system. We are hopeful it will be lifted once the club settles the outstanding amount,” said Chikaola.
He admitted that the lack of squad depth has hampered his side’s progress.
“We are working with the quality of players we currently have. Once the ban is lifted, we hope to register new players and strengthen the squad.”
For Rufaro Starlets, the emphatic victory is more than just three points. It is another statement that a youthful squad built around talented school-going players can compete, thrive and earn its place in Zimbabwe’s top-flight women’s league.
