The Chronicle
9 September 2012
Zimbabwe registered their biggest victory at Rufaro in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in a long time, when they beat Angola 3-1 and what a befitting occasion it was, as our golden girl Kirsty Coventry also cheered the boys from the terraces.
The swimming icon was one of the guests in the VVIP tribune, who also included Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart.
Coventry was in the company of her boyfriend Tyrone Seward to whom she got engaged last month.
After the match, the Olympic medallist met the Warriors and the technical bench and had a chat as she congratulated the boys and posed for pictures with skipper Tapuwa Kapini and Khama Billiat.
Watching her first live soccer match, Coventry was excited by the sights and sounds of Rufaro as the fans cheered the team which scored three goals past 2006 World Cup finalists Angola.
“They played so well and it was such a great game. They played as a team which I think is very important for soccer.
“I was so proud to be able to watch them. They were in fighting first half and very nervous in the second half.
“I am confident that they are a great team and they will qualify. I have watched them on TV but I have never been able to come to a match so I am very excited and honoured that I was able to come and watch them.
“There were lots of people and it was so exciting,†said Coventry.
The swimmer said she doesn’t know much about soccer and does not support any team locally or internationally.
“I never really supported a soccer team growing up, but I think after today the Warriors have made me their biggest fan.
“I have watched little bit of soccer and my brother-in-law loves Manchester United so I will think about it. I am loyal to my family so maybe I will have to support that.
“I follow the clubs in the Premier League through the newspaper so it has really been nice to be able to be here and get to meet some of the players that I always read about in the newspaper,†she said.
Coventry, who is enjoying a rest after participating at the recent London 2012 Olympics, says she will wave goodbye to the sport which made her famous by visiting schools.
“I am just taking a rest and in the next two weeks hoping to drive around Zimbabwe and visit some of the schools.
“I am taking the time and opportunity that I have now. Driving, saying hello and thank them for the support. I have not had the time since I came back from the Olympics,†she said.
Asked about her wedding plans, Coventry said she was enjoying time with her boyfriend before they walk down the aisle.
We are not too sure when the wedding is, we haven’t decided yet, we are taking the next few months figuring out when we want to get married.
“But at the moment we are just enjoying taking time enjoying being engaged,†said Coventry.
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