FAITH Drive Soccer Academy founder Nelia Musikavanhu has died.
Musikavanhu passed away at her Mutare home in the early hours of Thursday morning after a short illness. A herbalist by profession, she is survived by six children: Edith, Dumisani, Tsitsi, Skathele, Zenzele and Siphelani.
She established the Mutare-based academy in the early 1990s, building it into one of Zimbabwe's leading development hubs for women's football. Players who came through the academy have gone on to feature across clubs in the Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League (ZWPSL).
Her son, Dumisani Sithole, a former ZWPSL vice-chairperson who now chairs the academy, confirmed her death and spoke of her legacy.
"Gogo's Musikavanhu's vision and leadership is going to be carried out by us, the kids, since it was a family project led by and founded by Gogo in the early 1990s to date," Sithole told NewsDay Sport.
Sithole said his mother's involvement in sport dated back to her school days, when she played netball, and that she went on to identify and nurture football talent in an area where none had previously been developed.
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"She had a passion, actually into sports as a former netballer from school. She grew up with that passion, the sport here. You can pick talent from one hour, because when she came here, there was no talent in sports, specifically football. That's how it started, developing the talent here, and especially the girl child," he said.
Faith Drive Soccer Academy currently competes in the ZWPSL. Sithole said the academy's influence stretches well beyond Mutare, describing it as a feeder system for the league.
"It's the development hub for ZWPSL. There's no team in the league without a player who passed through the conveyor belt," he said.
He said the family would honour her legacy of advancing opportunities for young women in football.
"In mourning our mother we are paying tribute to her, she will be remembered for opening doors for the girl child in football in Manicaland and nationally," Sithole said.
Tributes have poured in from across the women's football fraternity following news of her passing. ZWPSL led the condolences, extending its sympathies to the club she built from the ground up.
"ZWPSL extends its heartfelt condolences to the Faithdrive Academy family following the passing of Gogo Nelia Musikavanhu, the club's owner," the league said in a statement.
"We mourn the great loss and pray that her family, friends and the entire Faithdrive Academy community find strength and comfort during this difficult time."
As a mark of respect, the league has postponed Sunday's scheduled match between Kwekwe Queens and Faithdrive Academy.
"The decision has been taken as a mark of respect and to allow the Faithdrive Academy family and the wider football community time to mourn this significant loss," the ZWPSL added.
Former ZWPSL boss Theresa Maguraushe was among those who paid personal tribute, describing Musikavanhu as a pioneer whose impact on the women's game went far beyond Faith Drive Academy.
"Today l mourn the loss of a galant heroine Ms Nelia Musikavanhu. Faith Drive owner, a galant heroine, visionary and trailblazer. I thank her for believing in Women's Football as she gave the girl child belief and a place to hold on," she told NewsDay Sport.
"I am forever grateful for the sacrifice she put in the women's game. Today l salute her for touching lives of many. Let your legacy live forever. May Her Dear Soul Rest in Peace."
Burial arrangements will be announced in due course.