Pulling on the WA jersey at the School Sport Australia Football Championships for Southern River student Rutendo Kuzamba was a dream come true.
Walking away with a silver medal made it even sweeter.
“It was an amazing feeling not only to represent WA but to win silver at my first SSWA competition,” she said. “I have represented WA several times before but we have never won anything higher than bronze, so to finally add that silver medal to my collection was the cherry on top of the cake.”
The Carey Baptist College student said one of the highlights came in a tough match against New South Wales. Although WA went down 8–0, her hard work was recognised when she was named player of the match.
“These competitions are always fun but my goal was to be identified and seen in some type of way and I was able to do that,” she said.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing.
Recovery sessions after each game involved late-night ice baths, which Rutendo described as “torture.” Still, she knew they were essential to get through a full week of football.
Her coach, Wayne Baseden, said Rutendo’s performance at the tournament was nothing short of exceptional.
“In one word, outstanding,” he said.
“Her abilities gained comments from opposition coaches and their frustration with trying to combat her contributions for us on the pitch. An integral member of the team, she figured strongly in team selection from coaches and the player leadership group itself.”
He praised her tireless energy and ability to read the game.
“Rutendo has a big engine and her ability to put herself in positions to stop opposition attacks, compete and press for possession, then use the ball to create opportunities for herself and others contributed strongly to the success of the team,” he said. “She takes feedback well, seeks to build on her abilities, and is humble enough to know she can still improve. A pleasure to coach and be around as is the family.”
Rutendo has been playing since she was eight, inspired by her two older brothers. Now she hopes to inspire other girls to take up the game.
“It makes me feel very proud and happy and I also feel a great responsibility,” she said. “My hope is to help inspire more girls to participate in this sport and know that there are endless opportunities.”
Her parents said they were thrilled to see her achieve success on the national stage.
“The fact that her team went on to win the silver medal felt surreal,” Mr and Mrs Kuzamba said. “Just to imagine that they are the second-best schools’ team in Australia is awesome. That feeling will stay with us for a long time.”
They said Rutendo’s hard work balancing school, training, and state trials had paid off. “There were many sleepless nights where she had to study or do homework after training,” they said.
“Despite all these challenges she managed to overcome and got selected.”
Her proudest moments included being named player of the match twice, winning silver, and being chosen as a shadow player for the Australian Schools team that will tour the United States next year.
From her beginnings in Port Hedland, where she only started playing competitive football four years ago, to representing WA and now aiming to be among the country’s best, Rutendo’s journey is one of dedication and resilience.
Currently part of the Football West Academy competing in the WA National Premier League, she already has her sights set higher.
“My next goal is to be able to play in the A-League, preferably Perth Glory, and my ultimate goal is to play for the Matildas and Manchester United,” she said.
