FOR Nzinga Maxwell, her relationship with the game of football has been an everlasting one. ‘’I’ve had a passion for football all my life,’’ she said, and so it was only natural that she eventually took up a role with a local club. ‘’The Kashif and Shanghai tournament brought out a lot of joy in me when I attended; I made a friend in Sampson Gilbert, current Head Coach of Fruta Conquerors, and that’s the reason I ended up being a member of Fruta Conquerors,’’ she added.

In a game often dominated by men, Nzinga holds a unique position as the only female team manager of an elite League Club, handling the operations of Fruta Conquerors. ‘’I ensure the players are well equipped during games, keeping all the equipment in order, and managing them on a daily basis,’’ Nzinga said.
As Team Manager, Ms Maxwell keeps everything organised, from travel arrangements to checking attendance, yet still enjoys every aspect of her role. “It has honestly all been a joy to me,’’ she happily proclaims.
And, speaking of her role, Fruta Conquerors Secretary, Daniel Thomas emphasises her importance to both the club and the game of football: ‘’Nzinga has been our manager since 2015, and has done a splendid job in ensuring players are ready, come game day,” Thomas said, adding:
“She provides logistical support between the coaches, executive committee of the club and GFF. She prepares the game-day football kits, and ensures players who require hospital treatment and physiotheraphy sessions receive them.
“She performs admirably in what is a male-dominated environment, and has earned the Club’s respect. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to the rules and regulations of the league, and has attended many technical meetings with the Federation to brush up on her knowledge.’’
With such a glowing reference, it is clear to see that Ms Maxwell is a positive role model at the club, and hopefully sets a precedence for more females to become involved at clubs in roles which have traditionally been held by men, such as the role of Team Manager. In a final comment, Ms Maxwell sums up the nature of her role with confidence:
‘’Being a team manager is a major job, but I accept it.’’