Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN a country where football legends often fade into obscurity, Albert Mbano has chosen a different path, one that winds through the dusty streets of Gokwe, where dreams are being rekindled with every kick of the ball.
Long after hanging up his boots, Mbano, once a feared striker for Lancashire Steel, Shabanie Mine, Black Rhinos and later CAPS United, has returned to his roots not to reminisce, but to rebuild.
In the heart of Midlands province, the former Warriors frontman is crafting a legacy that stretches beyond goals scored and matches won.
“I am doing well, just that I retraced to where it all began,” Mbano says with humility. “I’m trying my best to help more players from this part of the Midlands develop to higher levels. We have so much talent, but it needs to be nurtured.”
Mbano’s playing career reads like a timeline of Zimbabwean football’s gritty golden years.
He began with Lancashire Steel, later joining a spirited Shabanie Mine side, alongside the likes of Asani Juma, the late Thomas Makwasha, Francis Chandida and Max Ruza.
A brief stint at Black Rhinos followed before he concluded his professional journey at CAPS United in 2007.
But where others saw a final whistle, Mbano saw a starting line.
Now an active member of the Gokwe South Sports Development Committee and a small-scale miner, Mbano has become an unlikely hero in the fight against drug abuse, social delinquency and wasted potential through grassroots sport.
His passion project, the Gokwe Junior Academy, was launched in January, and already, the signs are promising.
Last week, Sunset Grounds in Mapfungautsi hosted the inaugural Gokwe South Under-20 “Say No to Drugs” Soccer Tournament. It was a rousing success.
Six teams, Chikara, Gokwe Jnr Academy, Hovano High School, Ginosko, Mupamombe and Real Stars, battled it out. Gokwe Jnr Academy eventually emerged victorious after edging Ginosko in the final.
Chikara and Mupamombe came came third and fourth, respectively. Winners walked away with cash prizes, soccer jerseys and footballs, a rare incentive in these parts of the country.
The tournament, co-organised by Mbano and versatile sports administrator Blessing Jemani, drew praise from Gokwe Central legislator Davison Masvisvi, who served as guest of honour.
“The youth suffer a lot from vices such as drug abuse,” said Masvisvi. “But with people like Mbano and Jemani within the community, we can curb these challenges. I was impressed with the recently held tournament, and I hope to support more events of that nature. We’ll also involve the girl child.”
Masvisvi’s endorsement went beyond polite applause.
He singled out Mbano as a role model, who has “not forgotten where he came from”, and pointed to Cheziya High School’s recent bronze medal winning tour of Italy and Kenya as proof of the region’s growing promise.
“There is a lot of talent here,” he said. “It is our wish to have more Mbanos and Energy Murambadoros from this side.”
Mbano, ever the pragmatist, remains measured but optimistic.
“It’s still work in progress,” he says. “In two to three years, we hope to have some players doing well in the Premier League, maybe even abroad. It is a process that requires patience. But with support from the community and parents, we will get far.”
And that support is beginning to crystallise.
From young boys lacing up their boots for the first time to local businesses beginning to peek over the fence with interest, Mbano’s mission is shifting the tides of Gokwe’s football culture.
“We have a big constituency and a big province,” Mbano adds. “Our biggest challenge is sponsorship, so we encourage corporates and businessmen to come on board.
“I’m happy we started the Gokwe Junior Academy this year. Resources permitting, we’ll produce some really good athletes.”
He may be out of the professional game, but Albert Mbano is far from out of play. In fact, in the eyes of Gokwe’s next generation, he has just kicked off.
Online Reporter