Story by Mthokozisi Dube
LOBENGULA City Queens, the newly crowned Southern Region Division One champions, say they are aiming to be competitive in their debut season in the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL) after earning promotion through a campaign anchored on youth development and community support.
The Bulawayo-based side secured top spot in the Southern Region on goal difference after finishing level on 37 points with runners-up Las Palmas, earning a place in the women’s top flight for the first time.
What began as a social project aimed at weaning girls from the streets in the post-COVID-19 period has since grown into a recognised football club now preparing for life in the ZWPSL.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, the Queens believe they can hold their own at the highest level, despite the financial challenges facing women’s football.
Club secretary Nothando Ndlovu said limited resources remain a concern as the team prepares to compete nationwide.
“Like many other women’s teams in the top flight, Lobengula City Queens are faced with financial constraints, a problem which will likely pop up as they gear up to travel the length and breadth of Zimbabwe,” Ndlovu said.
She said the club’s rise through Division One was made possible through support from former Warriors striker Benjani Mwaruwari, current Warriors players Marvelous Nakamba and Teenage Hadebe, as well as CAPS United’s Bruce Kangwa.
“We have come a long way with this project, and the success of this project keeps us believing that we can make a difference in the girl- child. We have been bailed out by four individuals, and that has taken us this far. As we prepare for life in the topflight, we are calling for more partnerships so that the project becomes a reality,” she said.
Lobengula City Queens boast several players who featured at the AUSC Region V Games in Namibia, including Ulathi Ndlovu, Nomatter Dube, Cleopatra Tshingila, Aaliya Dube, Ntokozo Mpofu, and Faliosa Nleya, as they look ahead to a demanding debut season in the ZWPSL.
