WALTER Magaya, president of The Heart Group, has revealed an ambitious plan to transform women’s football into a profitable industry in Zimbabwe at a leadership and administration workshop for the Heart Women Soccer League at his Yadah Hotel in Waterfalls on Saturday.
The charismatic businessman and church leader of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance ministry, Magaya, highlighted the importance of good governance and accountability to attract more sponsors and investment.
Magaya contributed $320,000 as initial sponsorship, with plans to invest more resources in the league in the upcoming season.
His ultimate goal is to establish a model that will attract other companies to invest in women’s football, turning it into a viable business venture.
“We are not just focused on elevating the brand of The Heart League, but on creating a platform that will make women’s football a profitable industry,” Magaya explained.
“We want to demonstrate to the world that we can achieve this, and we are open to partnerships that will help us realize our vision.”
Magaya also emphasised the importance of accountability and transparency within the league’s administration to achieve this vision.
“With proper administration, women’s football can generate revenue and create opportunities for players, coaches, and officials. We urge the executive to make it easier for us to invest in the league.”
As a symbol of his commitment, Magaya unveiled four sets of playing kits for all 16 teams participating in the inaugural Heart League Women Soccer League Tournament, which is scheduled for September 18 to 22. The tournament, sponsored to just under $ 50,000, will feature a knockout format, with the winner receiving $10,000.
Theresa Maguraushe, the chairperson of The Heart Women Soccer League, expressed gratitude to Magaya for his support, noting that it was a “vote of confidence” in their mission to empower women through football.
Vincent Chaonza, a business partner of Magaya and a veteran sports administrator, also donated two electronic substitution boards to the league through his company, Open Gold.
With Magaya’s ambitious vision, the future of women’s football in Zimbabwe looks promising.
