Fifa’s Zim ban shatters Mighty Warriors dreams

Philemon Jambaya

Mighty Warriors player Marjory Nyaumwe is no stranger to carrying her country’s hopes on her shoulders as part of the women’s national football team, the “Mighty Warriors.”

Unfortunately, football mother body Fifa’s ban of Zimbabwe from international matches last year has had a devastating effect on her and her fellow players, leaving them in a precarious financial situation with no end in sight.

“The money I had in my savings from the last match we played against South Africa in 2021 is running out. I cannot even afford to fill my car tank,” said Nyaumwe.

Fifa suspended Zimbabwe’s football association last year in a crackdown on government interference.

Female footballers have been worst hit, said players and experts, as their contracts and terms of employment are inferior to those of male players, resulting in them relying more on fees from international fixtures.

A women’s national team player, who declined to be named, said the international match ban meant she could no longer afford to financially support her mother.

“Before the ban, we could get some allowances (for matches). It was little but helpful. Right now, I am struggling,” she said.

She, like other players, is also worried that the Fifa ban means she is missing out on career opportunities.

“We get exposure when we are playing for the national team,” she said.

“I was hoping this year I would be picked by some foreign clubs, but when I’m grounded like this, they won’t even notice me.”