341 Girls Shine at Mashonaland Central Football Festival

The future of Zimbabwean women’s football was on full display last weekend as 341 young girls gathered at Pednor Primary School for the Mashonaland Central Girls Football Festival, a vibrant grassroots development initiative aimed at growing the game among girls aged between 6 and 13 years.

The festival brought together participants from Pednor Primary School, Chipindura Primary School, Bindura Salvation Army Primary School, Bindura Chiedza, Shamva LDV Primary School and Rujeko Primary School. The girls took part in football skills sessions, small-sided matches and safeguarding workshops designed to promote both participation and personal development.

The event attracted strong support from key stakeholders, including Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Deputy Director Mr Sada, Sports and Recreation Commission Provincial Manager Mr Maganga, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Provincial Superintendent Matombo, Bindura District Schools Inspector Mr Mafurirano, ZIFA Mashonaland Central Administrator Prisca Ruwiza, Provincial Women’s League Chairperson Patience Njowa, Provincial Women’s League Secretary Sarah Musimha and Pednor Primary School Head Mr Vengesai.

The festival forms part of ongoing efforts to increase participation in girls’ football, identify emerging talent and strengthen grassroots structures that will support the continued growth of the women’s game across Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the event, Mr Sada praised the initiative for creating opportunities for young girls to discover and develop their potential through sport.

“This festival demonstrates the power of sport to inspire, empower and unite communities. It is encouraging to see so many young girls actively participating in football and expressing themselves through the game. These are the foundations upon which future national team players and leaders will be built,” he said.

Beyond football development, the festival provided an important platform for learners from farm schools and less privileged communities to showcase their abilities in an environment they would not ordinarily have access to. The girls also interacted with coaches, medical personnel and media representatives, exposing them to the many career pathways available within sport.

The event generated significant interest from local communities, with teachers, parents and football stakeholders welcoming the initiative and its impact. Positive feedback from participants and schools highlighted the growing appetite for girls’ football in the province.

ZIFA also extends its sincere appreciation to the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) for their invaluable support in making the festival a success. Through Pednor Primary School, ZPCS provided the venue for the event, as well as a dedicated medical team and catering services that ensured the wellbeing and comfort of all participants throughout the day. Their contribution underscored the importance of collaboration between football stakeholders and community institutions in creating meaningful opportunities for young people.

As ZIFA continues to expand opportunities for young players across the country, the Mashonaland Central Girls Football Festival stands as another important step in nurturing talent, promoting inclusion and building a stronger future for women’s football in Zimbabwe.

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