Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in THAIWOO, China
FORMER Dynamos star Masimba “Member-in-Charge” Dinyero is a happy father to see his bloodline tracing his football footsteps.
Named the 1989 Soccer Star of the Year when playing for Black Mambas, Dinyero’s profile in the game continued to grow for a decade after his crowning moment.
Nine years after he won the individual accolade Dinyero helped Dynamos reach the CAF Champions League final in which they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Cote d’Ivoire giants ASEC Mimosas.
In 1999, Dinyero was also part of the Dynamos cast that reached the Champions League group stage.
While the former policeman is still navigating the football trenches through coaching, his son Munashe is making waves at Northern Region Soccer League log leaders N’ombeyawora.
He played a key role in the promotion of Scottland into the Premier Soccer League last year and is certainly one for the future.
And a step further down Masimba’s branch is grandson Malcom.
He is just 12 but potentially more talented than both Masimba and Munashe.
The Gwinyai Primary School learner impressed thousands of spectators who attended the Xueruyi Cup International Olympic City Youth Football Championship in the Thaiwoo Resort, Hebei, China which ended yesterday.
The young Dinyero is the Jadel Football Academy captain and he was exemplary when leading the Zimbabwean grassroots side to victory in this tournament.
JFA were the only African team in the annual youth jamboree which attracted more than 60 clubs from across the globe.
Founded by former Young Warriors player Walter “Ringers” Musanhu, JFA is a mixed bag of races, cultures and nationalities.
Sixteen Zimbabwean kids have fused with others from different countries and they showed just how good they were after winning each of the games they played before triumphing 6-1 over Kicker Academy of China in the final.
It was Dinyero who wowed the crowd throughout the tournament with his sleek movement and intelligence deploying in midfield and on the left wing.
He was duly named Player of the Tournament and won the Golden Boot with 10 goals under his belt.
“I would like to salute all these boys for their spirit. Last year, we played this tournament and lost.
“But this time around, they showed incredible hunger and bundled out every opponent. I am proud of them,” said Musanhu.
“Congratulations to individual accolade winners Malcom Dinyero and Junior Kasongo (Goalkeeper of the Tournament).
“Well on Dinyero, I would only say just watch the space. We are here to groom all these boys but Dinyero’s talent is out of this world.
“All these guys are also talented because they could do something you never anticipated and at the end of the day, we won.”
Malcolm spoke about Masimba’s legacy.
“I am told my grandfather Masimba was at one time the best player in the Zimbabwe league.
“Those are the stories that inspire me each time I get to play football,” said Dinyero.
“I also have my uncle Munashe who plays very well at Division One level. I have the exposure and I hope the exposure will unlock my full potential.
“I am confident I will be playing professional football in a few years’ time.”
After winning the trophy in Hebei yesterday, the team transferred to Beijing where they will prepare for the 100-Team Cup tournament that runs between August 8-16 in the Chinese capital.
The 100-Team Cup which JFA won last year is one of the biggest international youth festivals with more than 150 clubs from across the world having already confirmed their participation.
