Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ROSA PIRATES have made their intentions clear as they seek to dominate the Mashonaland Central Division Two League and emulate regional rivals, Simba Bhora and Agama.
The team which is based at Kakora Secondary in Chiweshe has started the season so well that they are topping the league after five games with four wins and a single draw.
Sponsored by the gold mining Gombera family, the team has started to build their own stadium in Rosa as they anticipate for the future in higher leagues. Club president Elvis Gombera is hopeful that they will reach great heights and follow in the footsteps of other club like Agama and Simba Bhora, who hail from the same province and are owned by gold miners.
“We started the club in 2023 after we realise the need to give back to the society.
“So far, we are in the process of building our own stadium which shall be used for generations to come, and the project is nearing completion and might even be used during the second half of this season.
“Rosa is a gold mining community where bad activities such as prostitution, murder cases, abortion, drug and substance abuse, theft and violent behaviour are an everyday thing. As a devout Christian I was touched by some of my fellow youths who were affected by such issues. I engaged my family and we agreed to do something for the community hence the soccer project was born.
“Even though I never played football in a professional league (I have played social football), the major reasons behind embarking on this project was chiefly to alleviate drug and substance abuse in our community.
“So far, we have 30 registered players who play for us in ZIFA Mash Central Division Two League. Amongst the players we have former drug addicts and some social misfits. We have given employment to the majority of these players as a way of empowering them economically,” said Gombera.
Rosa Pirates is under the guidance of former Bindura United and Gunners coach Zacks Kataya and said they are looking forward to gain promotion the Division One.
“Rosa Pirates is a big project for us. We are aiming to finish higher this season than the fourth position we attained last season. We are fast building a name in the province, and we pray that soon the whole nation will know about Rosa Pirates.
“We would like to thank some partners who joined us this season to back up this meaningful project with monetary and other items that have been of great help to us. We just hope more partners and well-wishers will come and join us as we strive to give back to the very community that natured us,” said Kataya. Kataya, is assisted by John Walaza as Takudzwa Machumi is the goalkeepers’ coach.
Mathew Masinge