The Zimbabwe women’s football team started its campaign at the Confederation of University and College Sports Association (CUCSA) games on a low note after losing 4-0 to South Africa in their opening match at Bulawayo's White City Stadium.

Zimbabwe's goalkeeper, Majesty Mpofu who is a Midlands State University student, kept the scoreline respectable with a number of saves that saw her being accorded the woman of the match award. Mpofu who is also the team captain is however hopeful that they will recover and rally back to win gold.

“It’s painful that we lost the opening match at home. We need to beat Botswana and Zambia and then probably meet South Africa in the final.

“We want the gold medal and we are very grateful for the support we got from the home fans despite the fact that we disappointed them but such is football,” she said.

The South Africans’ confidence and passing won the hearts of many Zimbabweans as they were just a marvel to watch. A brace from Hildah Magaia in the 70th and 79th minutes and strikes from Palesa Mohlabai and substitute Abongile Dlani ensured South Africa topped the group after the first day’s action. Dlani kept fans on the edge of their seats with her ball artistry. The striker who hails from the Western Cape said their victory was a huge statement of intent. 

“We are here to win the gold medal. We mean business. We won but (the) Zimbabwe defence was not solid,” said Dhlani.

Ten Countries namely Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Swaziland and hosts Zimbabwe are taking part in the games that are meant to integrate the region through sport.

The games being held in Bulawayo which started on Monday will run until the 6th of August, with the teams competing in Basketball, Volleyball, Chess, Netball, Karate, Table Tennis, Tennis, Athletics and football for both Women and Men.