In the terraces of Zimbabwean football, one woman’s voice rises above the noise. Lindway Chidawaya, AKA, Chihera, proudly carrying her totem is also called Rasta. Or Bikita— from her rallying cry, “Bikita Minerals tinokwesha neVim!”,
With her unwavering loyalty to Bikita Minerals Football Club, Lithium Boys or Vim Boys, at 41 years old, Lindway is a mother of four who has made football a central part of her identity and a source of joy amid life’s challenges.
Hailing from Murehwa, Lindway has lived in Bikita for thirteen years. She recalls how her passion began quietly, when she would watch football at home to escape loneliness. Then the pastime grew into an obsession so powerful that, as she says with pride, no one can outmatch her knowledge of football news and transfers.
When Bikita Minerals began rising, she was there—weekend after weekend—drawn in by the flair of players like Katema and Barna. “Bikita Minerals means a lot to me personally,” she explains. “They gave me the opportunity to travel, even allowing me to watch the Mighty Warriors in Pretoria for the first time. That was a dream come true.”
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As a single mother, she must constantly balance her responsibilities to her children with her passion for the game. “It’s not easy balancing the two,” she admits. “Sometimes I miss important trips. I couldn’t travel to Durban because I had to attend a school visit for my daughter.”
Financial challenges are also part of the journey, but Lindway has learned to manage by being careful with spending and relying on the support of family and friends. “I am stingy when it comes to myself so that my children don’t suffer,” she says with a laugh.
The memories she has made as a supporter are priceless. She recalls with excitement the day Bikita came back from two goals down against FC Platinum. Her relentless singing on the terraces seemed to fuel the team, and when they equalized, she felt as though she had scored the goal herself.
On another day at Gibbo Stadium, her cheering from the fence coincided with a crucial equalizer, earning her the nickname “Fence Coach.” Beyond the pitch, moments like mingling with other fans in Pretoria and seeing Peter Ndlovu up close remain unforgettable highlights.
Her children have embraced her passion too, often asking about her travels and sharing predictions before matches. Her daughter, has become her football companion, sometimes teasing her with realistic forecasts that test Lindway’s unshakable optimism.
Football has also allowed Lindway to build friendships and a reputation for integrity. She recalls returning a lost wallet with $100 inside, an act that won her admiration from fellow supporters. In her words, “I socialize well with others, and in return I get the same respect.”
She believes in the future of the women’s game and encourages others to support it with the same enthusiasm. Her message to single mothers is equally inspiring: “Sitting at home crying might cause depression. Go out, cheer your team, and make memories. Being single doesn’t mean the world rejects you.”
With Lindway stands as living proof that passion can overcome hardship, and that the beautiful game belongs to everyone.
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