Rumbidzai Muyambuki’s journey in football is defined by resilience, quiet determination, and an unwavering belief that women belong at the centre of sports leadership. 

From her early career as a teacher to becoming an executive member of Ngezi Platinum Stars, Muyambuki has steadily carved a path few women have dared to tread in Zimbabwean football.

Her story began in the education sector, where she worked as a teacher from 2009 to 2014. During that period, her passion for sport saw her rise to become Sports Director for Chigutu District, overseeing primary school competitions and grassroots development initiatives. 

In 2014, her work caught the attention of Regis Bridge Private School in Ngezi, where she was invited for interviews and later appointed School Director, transitioning from government service to the private sector.

By 2015 and 2016, Muyambuki had made history at Regis Bridge by becoming the first woman to introduce structured grassroots football at the school. Her efforts gained national attention, with some matches receiving live coverage on SuperSport.

“That was the moment Ngezi started to identify me,” she recalled. “People began to see that I was not just supporting football—I understood it.”

Her growing visibility brought her into contact with prominent football figures, including Steve Vigas of CFM. Determined to be fully involved, she requested to lead her young players onto the field as team captain.

“I told him, ‘I’ve got my kids here, and I want to be the one leading them,’” she said. “He said he would try, and from there, doors started opening.”

In 2017, Muyambuki officially joined Ngezi Platinum Stars, entering a football environment traditionally dominated by men.

“They told me, ‘At Ngezi, we are just men and we don’t know football properly. Since you watch and understand football, come and help us,’” she explained.

Armed with Level Two coaching qualifications and refereeing credentials, she quickly proved her value and has remained with the club from 2017 to the present day.

Her influence extended beyond local football in 2023 when she was invited to attend the Benford World Football Summit.

“That’s where I realised I had been underestimating myself,” Muyambuki said. “I saw that there is real potential in me, and that I needed to push further.”

The global exposure continued when she was invited as a guest of honour to the UEFA Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan in Istanbul, Turkey.

“It was overwhelming and inspiring,” she said. “What I saw there changed my mindset completely. I made friends, I networked, and I understood that football leadership has no gender.”

In 2024, her journey took her to Spain, where she visited Sevilla, Barcelona, and Madrid, further expanding her football network and experience. Upon her return, she considered contesting football elections but hesitated.

“Last year I told myself it was too early,” she admitted. “This time, I said no—let me try.”

Her decision to contest the ZIFA Northern Region elections marked a historic moment. Muyambuki became the first woman to stand in the race, competing against ten male candidates. The process was gruelling, both physically and emotionally.

“It was not easy,” she said. “I was making calls at midnight, working through the night, and the pressure almost broke me. Yesterday, I honestly felt like I would end up in hospital.”

Despite the challenges and the often toxic nature of football politics, Muyambuki stood her ground. She finished second with 11 votes, just three behind the winner—an extraordinary achievement that sent a powerful message across the football fraternity.

“When I woke up on the final day, I told myself, ‘I’ve made it,’” she said. “Out of nine men, I came second. I thank God because, to me, I am a winner.”

Her impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, Muyambuki was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership Qualities in Sport Award at the Zimbabwe Integrated Traders Association Congress and Business Awards, in recognition of her dedication, integrity, and influence within the sporting community.

Muyambuki believes her journey is bigger than personal success.

“Some people think women enter football just because we are women,” she said. “But some of us are here because football is in us. I did this to motivate other women, to show them that we can also do it.”

As an executive member of Ngezi Platinum Stars, Rumbidzai Muyambuki continues to inspire a new generation of women to believe in their abilities and challenge entrenched norms.

“Let’s encourage each other. Let’s support each other,” she said. “Football belongs to all of us.”