Chicken Inn’s MAGS club cheer on sons on the pitch

IMAGINE two women who are both mothers to rising stars at Chicken Inn Football Club. Now picture them, not at home, but among the throngs of Chicken Inn fans at Luveve Stadium. Each watching her son with a discerning eye honed by years of experience. The two in fact make up Chicken Inn’s exclusive MAGS club.

Mothers and grandmothers have always been pillars of support for young athletes, especially at the grassroot level. Television and trips to schools like Falcon College showcase this dedication — families cheering on their own. Chicken Inn therefore has its pair of MAGS at every home game.

What really unites these two supporters? Their sons not only play together, but are neighbours in Bulawayo’s Entumbane suburb. Barely 100 metres separate their homes, to be precise.

Catherine Tamai and Nelia Musvipa are the proud mothers of midfielder Genius Mutungamiri and defender Arthur Chinda. And they make it their mission to be there whenever the Gamecocks play at home.

“It is always good to watch our sons in action. It’s a pleasing development as we have never missed Chicken Inn’s home game at Luveve Stadium. The boys should just trust in God, remain disciplined and work hard.

“My wish is to see Genius, his teammate Arthur and their other teammates scale dizzy heights. They should just take advice from their coaches and I am always praying hard that they get recognised by foreign clubs soon. They are still very young, they need everyone’s support and guidance,” said Tamai.

Tamai’s feelings were echoed by Musvipa, who expressed her constant delight at seeing Chinda perform for the team sponsored by Simbisa Brands.

“I guess it always comes through hard work for my son and his friend Genius. They should just keep on working hard. There is a need for them to remain focused. I particularly pledge all the support with the hope they will remain grounded for them to go far.

“I pray hard that Arthur doesn’t get carried away at such a tender age. He is a responsible young man and I am very much grateful to the Chicken Inn family for offering them a platform to showcase their talents together with their other teammates,” said Musvipa.

Unfortunately, Musvipa won’t be in the stands today to cheer on her son when the Gamecocks face Bulawayo Chiefs at Luveve Stadium. A family bereavement called her away to Gwanda.
Despite her absence, both Mutungamiri and Chinda (23 expressed their deep appreciation for the unwavering support they receive from their parents.

Mutungamiri, who previously played for Bulawayo City, attended Zulukandaba Primary and Entumbane High School. Chinda went to Manyewu Primary, Sizane High and Mpopoma High.
It was at Mpopoma High’s Mposa sports academy that Chinda honed his skills alongside future stars like Simba Bhora’s Junior Makunike and Hwange’s Arthur Muvuti.—@FungaiMuderere