Vic Falls gears up for amputee football: A celebration of inclusion
Victor Sibanda
Victoria Falls is abuzz with anticipation as the city prepares to launch its very own amputee football club. This initiative, spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Amputees Football League (ZAFF), is a significant step towards inclusivity, offering people with disabilities (PWDs) a chance to actively participate in their local community through the beautiful game.
The brainchild of ZAFF President Robson Musarafu and National Director of Women Amputee Football Development Nancy Ziyengwa, amputee football was introduced in Zimbabwe in 2019. It addresses the long-standing issue of exclusion of PWDs from mainstream football due to physical limitations. Amputee football provides a dedicated space for PWDs to showcase their skills and passion for the sport, operating under its own set of rules overseen by the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) and its regional affiliate, the Confederation of African Amputee Football Federation (CAAF).
“Amputee Football was introduced for the first time in Zimbabwe in 2019 through the formation of Al-Quds FC in Ruwa Town,” said Musarafu. “The idea of introducing the game is the brainchild of my colleague, Miss Nancy Ziyengwa and myself as the president.”
The journey from a single club, Ruwa George Al-Quds Amputee FC established in 2019, to a national movement has been remarkable. ZAFF has grown into a seven-team strong league, including Black Jack Amputee FC (Bulawayo), Hebrews Amputee FC (Bulawayo), Chipinge Shooting Stars Amputee FC (Chipinge), Ladyland Amputee FC (Masvingo), and Hwange Amputee FC (Hwange). The Victoria Falls based Amputee FC joins this growing movement, eager to contribute to the league’s success.
Despite the significant progress, challenges remain. ZAFF acknowledges the need for greater awareness and acceptance of women’s participation in amputee football, as highlighted by Ziyengwa. “The main challenge is that women and girls take time to respond mainly due to over protection by their parents, schools and spouses and we strongly urge those responsible for the safety of minors and married women with disabilities to accompany them to training gatherings,” she said.
Improved mobility solutions are crucial to address the geographical distance between players, hindering training. Sponsorship is essential to provide essential equipment like crutches, soccer balls, boots, and kits. Finally, dedicated amputee football grounds adhering to international size specifications (60m x 40m) are a long-term goal.
The ZAFF and participating clubs urge the community to embrace amputee football. This can be achieved through encouraging PWDs to participate, sponsoring clubs and the federation, and advocating for the allocation of land for dedicated amputee football grounds, as Councillor Givemeagain Moyo suggests. “We are urging the host communities, relatives and friends of PLWDs, schools, Councillors, MPs and headmen to assist PWDs to embrace the game of Amputee Football for their welliness and for collective Sport Development that leaves no one and no place behind,” said Moyo.
The launch of the Victoria Falls Amputee Football Club is more than just a sporting event. It’s a celebration of human ability, a testament to the power of inclusion, and a beacon of hope for PWDs across Zimbabwe.
