HERENTALS Queens successfully defended their Heart Women Soccer League title, thrashing Hope Academy 7-0 in the championship decider at Luveve Stadium.
From the onset, Herentals Queens meant business, with striker Prynance Zvawanda opening the scoring after just three minutes. Maud Mafuruse doubled the advantage three minutes later, setting the tone for a resounding victory.
The duo continued to dominate the game, with Zvawanda registering her second and the team’s third after 10 minutes. Mafuruse followed suit with Herentals’ fourth in the 14th minute. At halftime, Herentals led 5-0, with Zvawanda completing her hat-trick.
Mafuruse registered her hat trick just seconds into the second half, and Elizabeth Vhunzawabaya sealed the win with the seventh goal after 65 minutes.
As the final whistle blew, Herentals Queens erupted in joy, celebrating their well-deserved title. Captain Talent Mukwanda praised her team’s hard work and dedication, saying, “It’s a befitting honour for the girls and a reward for hard work.”
Hope Academy skipper Sicelo Ncube attributed the loss to Herentals’ tough game plan, saying, “We played our normal game, but Herentals came with a distinct game plan and pressed us hard in the opening stages to seize control of the match.”
The championship win marked the culmination of an exciting season, with Herentals leading the standings with 78 points. Heart Women Soccer League chairperson Theresa Maguraushe paid tribute to the Heart Group president Walter Magaya for his generous sponsorship.
Permanent Secretary in the Sports Ministry, Nicholas Moyo, praised the Heart Women Soccer League as a shining example of women’s empowerment, saying, “I think this is a culmination of the secret to empowering women.”
As the celebrations came to a close, the match officials received medals from the guest of honour.
