The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
How many young, successful businessmen would write a cheque for the women’s national football team?
Probably not many.
Among the few is Mighty Warriors benefactor Lewis Muzhara.
The 36-year old has stood by the women’s national soccer team through thick and thin, encountering several frustrating episodes but always vowing to stand by the ladies.
Growing up on Ingwe Farm near Budiriro in Harare, Muzhara knows poverty by name as he watched his mother struggle to put food on the table.
“The experience of watching what my mother went through to send me to school invoked something in me,” said Muzhara.
“From those early experiences, I learnt that although women are very strong and resilient, they need support. They go through a lot to ensure their households and families are provided for.
“It’s the same narrative with the Mighty Warriors, they try their best under very difficult circumstances but don’t get much support. It’s all about the men and that is very sad. In my own small way I try my best to make the girls feel appreciated.”
Muzhara, who says he has not missed a Mighty Warriors game since 2010, bought new football boots for every member of the squad that took part at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
And he rates being in Brazil to watch the Mighty Warriors make their Olympic debut as one of the major highlights of his love affair with the team.
“I sacrificed a lot to be there to support the girls and that experience gave me a reality check,” said Muzhara. “Playing against a team that is well-resourced like Germany showed that there is a vast gulf between us and the leading teams in the world.
“Right from the warm-up there was a clear difference, the kit, the backroom staff … it was as if we came from two different worlds.
“As I watched the girls try their best I prayed to God that he gives me strength to continue supporting the team. It’s not about publicity but a burning to desire to play a part in the development of the women’s game.”
Muzhara, who through his LM Auctions last weekend sponsored a challenge match between Caps United Queen and Dynamos Queens, is confident that the Mighty Warriors will charm the world.
“The girls have shown what they are capable of but without support they will not get to the top, we have to work together as a nation to give them wings.
“I am encouraged with some positive movements being made in supporting the team and am optimistic of what the future holds.”
