Charity and football go hand in glove

FOOTBALL fans attending the Dynamos and Highlanders Jairos Jiri Charity match at Barbourfields Stadium will not only get a glimpse of new signings but will also see former greats back on the pitch in the curtain raiser.

Highlanders Legends secretary general Itai Masawi confirmed yesterday that they will face Beitbridge Legends in the main curtain raiser. Fans who arrive early for the match, scheduled for 1200 hours, will have a chance to watch legends such as Douglas “British” Mloyi in action.

Masawi said former players were pleased to be part of a charity event and stressed the long standing link between football and community work.

“Charity and football go hand in glove as football has the power to bring change in people’s lives. Almost every football club and its players support community initiatives, fundraising and social causes, showing that football can positively impact communities,” said Masawi.

He added that footballers can inspire hope and uplift those in need through their influence.
The Jairos Jiri Charity Shield used to be a permanent annual feature, with Highlanders and Mashonaland United regularly taking part in the mid-1980s.

Beitbridge Legends have lined up several former players for tomorrow’s match. Notable names include Gilbert Chigwandaza, who played for Triple B and Border Strikers, and former Mtao Forest and TTM player Clemence Mabidi, who owns Mabidi Stadium in Beitbridge. Former Zimbabwe Saints forward Lexington Mujokoro will also be part of the squad.

Clement Mabhureza, Clever Mutendebvure and Given Masuka, a former Njube Sundowns and Border Strikers midfielder, are among the other players expected to feature.

Motor Action’s Clive Sibanda, Ferdinand Matete and Polite Bhegede, all with Division One and Premiership experience, will also turn out for the charity game.

Highlanders were expected to finalise their squad after yesterday evening’s training session.
Highlanders Legends Squad

Wonder Mpofu; Simon Sibanda; Gift Lunga Jnr; Itai Masawi; Mavuto Ndlovu; Felix Chindungwe; mmanuel Shora; Melusi Sibanda; Castro Ndebele; Johannes Ngodzo; Heritein Masuku; Lindani Karairwa; Mkhuphali Masuku; Graham Ncube; Siza Khoza; Dan Ngwenya; Noel Cele; Njabulo Ncube; Bekithemba Ndlovu; Anzilom Ndlovu; Mpumelelo Moyo; Collen Nyambiya; Douglas Mloyi; Bruce Tshuma; Malvern Moyo