Accredited FIFA agent Gilbert Sengwe, director of Focus Sports Management, has stepped forward to offer a lifeline to talented Mighty Warriors and former Harare City goalkeeper Cynthia Shonga.
This comes after news broke recently of Shonga’s potential retirement from football due to financial constraints.
Shonga claims the local game is failing to provide for her basic needs hence she is contemplating quitting to look for a more stable job to capacitate her.
Shonga told Zimpapers Sports Hub she is currently failing to fend for herself.
“I am having a difficult time fending for myself. I have responsibilities that need my attention and I can’t run away from that. Issues like rentals and food need money and without money, it’s always difficult,” bemoaned Shonga.
This touched Sengwe’s heart who has has pledged to help Shonga find a club in a foreign land, where she can earn a living and continue her football career.
Sengwe, known for his expertise in placing Zimbabwean players abroad, believes Shonga’s talent and dedication deserve a better platform.
He is confident the 23-year-old who scooped the Golden Glove at the COSAFA Women’s Championship held in South Africa in October 2023 can find a suitable club outside Zimbabwe and improve her financial situation.
Shonga was also shortlisted for the 2023 CAF Best Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award following her top notch performance at COSAFA.
Sengwe who has helped several stars play in foreign leagues, among them Christian Epoupa, Kelvin Ndebele and Kelvin Bingala expressed his commitment to securing Shonga a foreign contract.
“I haven’t been following Cynthia’s career closely, when I read about her considering quitting football due to financial constraints, I was touched.
“I’m committed to help her find a club in a foreign land. I’m confident she is dedicated and has the talent,” he said.
Besides struggling to afford basic necessities, Shonga is also failing to buy much needed football equipment
She added: “The most difficult thing is that it comes to a point where I find myself struggling to buy new soccer boots for myself. That summarises the environment I am working in, and that’s clear football isn’t sustaining me.”
Her contract with Harare City who reportedly owe her thousands of dollars, expired in December 2023.
“My contract with Harare City expired in December. It was my wish to continue with the club but if you look at it, they owe me money so naturally, it will be difficult to continue with them as I expect my dues to be settled first.
Shonga who expressed skepticism about signing contracts without careful evaluation, urged her counterparts to put pen to paper with due diligence.
“Behind every transfer or before signing any contract I think as a player it is wise to evaluate the contract and see if it will do justice to yourself. With all the evaluations I think maybe it’s wise to call it quits and look for another job such that I can sustain.”
Sengwe’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope for Shonga’s future.
The football agent revealed he has begun the process of finding suitors for Shonga who is also good with her feet, characterising a modern goalie.
