DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2015.v03i01.039

Pages: 288-292

Although it was originally predominately a male sport, soccer has recently become popular among women. It provides opportunity for exercise and potential benefits as a result of participation, ranging from physiological, social to psychological. People of various ages and skill levels participate in soccer, with individuals of various body sizes being able to do comparatively well. This qualitative research, conducted through a case study involved twenty women from the Zimbabwe National Women’s Soccer team and it aimed at exposing the dilemma that the players found themselves in. Its intention was to explore ways of how the community could be convinced to support women in sport. Dependable sources revealed that generally, women in sport encountered more negative feelings than positive; which are largely due to society's failure to quickly change its stereotypes and that for many years, sport was seen as a tool for the development of masculinity. Masculine qualities such as courage, strength, aggression, and teamwork were emphasized. Data was generated through document analysis and semi-structured interviews. This study found that women were negatively affected by their matches which were characterised by lack of adequate media coverage, lack of access to proper facilities, and low spectatorship. Some athletes reported feeling that they did not enjoy the same status as their male counterparts, were sometimes forced into relationships to prove femininity and even drawn into substance abuse. The study recommends social education for women, girls and men to accept women in soccer and while maintaining culture, allow women meaningful playing time.