Patricia Muwani: Inspiring young girls in football...

Patricia Muwani: Inspiring young girls in football former goalkeeper coaches girls' football at the grassroots level.

Patience Muchemwa

Patricia Muwani, a passionate football coach, is dedicated to developing young girls’ talent from the primary school level. Inspired by the lack of female representation at the highest levels of football, she aims to empower young girls and show them that they too can succeed in the sport, as she says: “I chose helping schoolchildren in order to reach out and develop young talent, I believe the future of football begins there.”

Muwani’s journey began as a goalkeeper for Zvishavane Pirates and Midlands State University. Her desire to help young girls find their purpose and unleash their potential fuels her coaching career. She states: “Apart from me being passionate about young girls, my ambition to help youngsters find clarity, purpose and unleashing their potential keeps me going.” Despite the challenges of unequal facilities, limited resources, and media coverage, Muwani perseveres, hoping to one day see her efforts recognised nationally. She says: “Being recognised as women nationally would mean a lot to me and it would be a sign of the effectiveness of our work.”

With limited financial gains from coaching, Muwani supplements her income with a small tuck-shop. Her strong work ethic, embodied by the Shona proverb “Sango rinopa waneta (hard work pays off)”, keeps her pushing forward. As she says: “I’ll never give up no matter how hard it gets, the light is at the end of the tunnel. I am very passionate about what I do, I don’t regret taking this career path and I am grateful for everything I have learnt.”

Muwani finds inspiration in football legend, Lionel Messi and coaching icon, Sir Alex Ferguson. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and savouring her favourite meal of sadza, beef, and vegetables.

Muwani urges young female footballers to stay away from drug and substance abuse, highlighting its detrimental impact on aspiring athletes. She says: “Drug and alcohol abuse is the most common problem in women football and it is destroying many potential stars.”