By Delicious Mathuthu
Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe – Former Mighty Warriors player and renowned women’s football coach, Ennie Konje, says she dreams of opening her own soccer academy as she fosters her dedication to nurturing young talent and challenging societal stigma.
Arguably one of the trailblazers in Zimbabwean women’s football in the early 2000s, Konje, born in 1967 and based in Chitungwiza just outside Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, has transitioned from a successful playing career to coaching, inspiring a new generation in the game.
Speaking to Sports Writers Association of Zimbabwe (SWAZ) journalists during a National AIDS Council (NAC) workshop in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, Konje, who holds a Confederation of African Football (CAF) C coaching license, says sport is a tool to curb the spread of HIV and drug abuse among youths.
Having coached several women teams, including her hometown St Mary’s Queens side, Konje currently leads the Harare City Queens first team.
She emphasizes the importance of junior development and addressing social issues like HIV and drug abuse through football.
Konje’s ultimate dream is to establish the EK Academy, a soccer academy for young girls and boys, providing a safe space for talent development and character building, but funds currently do not permit.
“I have a dream to start my own academy for boys and girls. My concern is the increasing negative activities among youths in the country, and so I think I can assist some of the kids through the academy.
“The challenge now is getting funds. We are looking for funding; after that, we start enrolling,” Konje said.
Despite facing stigma and misconceptions about the reproductive abilities of women playing soccer, Konje proudly boasts three children, twin girls and a son currently working for the Zimbabwe Air Force.
In her experience as a player and coach, she says significant progress in media attention and opportunities for women’s football has been made in recent years, putting female players in the sport-light, but more could be done.
Nicknamed “bhonzo” during her playing days, Konje was a key player for the Mighty Warriors squad, representing Zimbabwe in various international tournaments from 2000 to 2010.
She urges the media to support talent identification and promotion in young players.
Konje speaking during the NAC
