The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent —
SO impressive has been Agnella Mapako’s performance in Tafara City Vellos colours in the past two years.
She plays as a centre back.
Born 24 years ago, she began to play football as a young girl at Makamure Primary School in Masvingo before enrolling at Gomba High School where she continued with her career.
“I started playing soccer while I was doing Grade Six in 2003 at Makamure Primary School. I also played during my four years at Gomba High School.
“I relocated to Mutare to stay with my father in 2012. I then joined City Vellos in 2015. I was appointed captain of the team and I am very happy with it. Being a leader makes you work hard,” she said.
Tafara City Vellos was formed in 2015 by Simba Fore with the aim of supporting the girl child through sport. The club has a total of 35 girls and the age group ranges from eight to 35.
The club uses Sports Oval in Sakubva as their training ground.
Mapako said her role model was Kaizer Chiefs and Zimbabwe senior national team captain, Willard Katsande.
“My role model is Zimbabwe senior men’s team captain, Willard Katsande. I really like the way he plays as well as his role as the captain. He always leads by example. I wish one day to reach those levels where I will be a good player and captain,” said Mapako.
Mapako paid tribute to her brother as well as her parents for supporting her.
“My older brother Thinkwell Mapako helped me a lot to establish my career. I really want to thank him for shaping my future. As I was growing up he used to take me for trainings. My parents too played a pivotal role in moulding me. They encouraged me to take up the sport and up to now they still support me,” she said.
She also expressed her desire to don the Mighty Warriors jersey.
“It is every player’s dream to play for her or his nation. As ladies, we have been affected by lack of a functional women’s league. Things must be worked out so that we have a functional league. I am working very hard at club level and as an individual. I pray that I may be spotted by scouts and probably join bigger clubs as well as the national team.
“As ladies, we are not being fully sponsored or supported unlike men. This has really weakened our women football. We appeal to the board running women football to do something about this. We have so many talented players in our nation, but we are not being recognised because of lack of orderliness,” she added.
