WHEN Zimbabwe Cricket named its premier women's club competition the Julia Chibhabha Women's League, they did more than honour a former player. They etched the name of the country's first women's national captain into the future of the game.
For Julia Chibhabha herself, the moment was emotional.
"It was a humbling experience," she told The Sports Hub.
"I didn't play because I wanted to get an accolade. I played because I was passionate. To have the league named after me gives me an even greater challenge to make sure we continue to grow the game, to be an influence to generations to come."
Chibhabha learned her cricket at Takashinga Cricket Club in Highfield, a place she still calls home.
Cricket runs deep in the family, her kid brother Chamu also went on to captain the national team, and remains heavily involved in the game today as manager of the Harare franchise Eagles, while understudying for the same role with the senior men's national team.
"Takashinga is where I realised my dream of playing the game. I got most of that determination from the ladies and the men, particularly the men, because they pushed me to go beyond what I thought I could do," she said.
She went on to become Zimbabwe Women's first captain, laying the foundation for a team that is now playing more international cricket than ever before under the ICC's Future Tours Programme.
The league that bears her name is now the main pathway for girls into provincial and national teams. Recent graduates include Beloved Biza and Kelis Ndhlovu, who have moved from club cricket into the Chevrons Women setup.
But Chibhabha says the name alone is not enough. It must inspire action.
"Every time matches are played, the mention of my name is there. It reaffirms that there is hope for any girl who picks up a bat," she added.
"My goal is to be a practical example, in scoring, coaching, match refereeing. If I'm visible, then girls can see there is a future beyond just playing."
As convener of the league, she is pushing for expansion, more clubs, two rounds of fixtures, and crucially, a Schools League to feed the Under-19 national team.
"The Harare Metropolitan Women's League has been a first, weekly competitive cricket. My wish is that all franchises do the same. The more games girls play, the stronger they get," she said.
Chibhabha is candid about the gaps. Women still do not get the same game time as men. But she credits Zimbabwe Cricket for trying to mirror the men's structures with regional and franchise cricket.
"The future looks bright if we keep pushing the agenda that cricket is everywhere and women know there is cricket," said Chibhabha.
"I think we as women are the patrons of the game. If we drive it forward, it's a brand that will give rewards."
Five years from now, she hopes to see "a lot of new names popping up," proof that the Julia Chibhabha League is doing its job.
For now, the league continues every weekend, with clubs like defending champions Gladiators Women and former holders Takashinga Women battling it out. And at every ground, her name is spoken.
A pioneer's name. On a competition building the next generation.