FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO- Sixteen-year-old Tryne Sibanda (pictured) produced a dazzling performance, scoring a brace as Rufaro Starlets FC secured their first home win of the 2026 Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League season with a convincing 3-1 victory over Chegutu Community Queens FC at Mucheke Stadium yesterday.
The young forward wasted no time announcing herself, opening the scoring in the sixth minute to give the hosts an early advantage.
Rufaro Starlets continued to dominate proceedings and were rewarded when Sibanda grabbed her second goal of the afternoon, putting the hosts firmly in control.
Chegutu Community Queens responded with attacking intent and enjoyed periods of pressure, but they struggled to break down a determined Rufaro defence.
Rufaro Starlets further strengthened their grip on the match in the 65th minute when captain Ropafadzo Maferefa curled home a free kick from just outside the penalty area to make it 3-0.
The visitors continued to push forward and eventually pulled one goal back, but it proved to be a mere consolation as the match ended 3-1 in favour of the hosts.
Sibanda expressed her delight after scoring her first goals in the top-flight league.
“I’m so happy that I scored two goals. These are my first goals since joining the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League, and they helped my team win. I’m looking forward to continuing to score in every game,” she said.
Rufaro Starlets head coach Langton Giwa was pleased to finally celebrate a home victory.
“I’m happy with our first win at home. The girls are now adapting to top-flight football. We started the season against some strong teams and unfortunately, we did not have enough pre-season preparations, which contributed to our poor start. From now on, I’m confident the results will keep coming,” said Giwa.
Chegutu Community Queens assistant coach Prince Tanyaradza Chibeza admitted his side had endured a difficult afternoon.
“It was a bad day at the office. Rufaro Starlets made good use of their home advantage. We fought hard and tried to get back into the game, but football does not always go according to plan.”
“We are hoping to bounce back in our next home match and use our home advantage to collect maximum points.”
The victory was Rufaro Starlets’ second official win of the campaign after an earlier win against Rise of Hope Academy was nullified following the club’s withdrawal from the league before completing five matches.
Before yesterday’s triumph, Rufaro Starlets had suffered four consecutive home defeats against Mpopoma Sports Academy, Correctional Queens, Chapungu Queens, and Herentals Queens
The result marks the club’s first-ever victory at Mucheke Stadium this season and lifts them to 12th place on the league standings with six points, level with CAPS United Royals and Chegutu Community Queens, but ahead on goal difference.
