Online Reporter
Johnsias Mutonhori, Online Reporter
SHURUGWI-BASED Chiponjeka Football Club has rekindled hopes of a football revival in the mining town, following the collapse of the once-thriving Nichrut FC.
The disbandment of Nichrut FC due to financial challenges left a vacuum in Shurugwi’s football landscape, with fans nostalgic for the glory days of the town’s brief stint in top-flight football.
Nichrut FC, under the ownership of local miner and businessman Mr William Gara, etched its name in history as the first team from Shurugwi to play in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. The club drew a passionate fan base, particularly among the Amakorokoza—gold panners.
However, after the team folded, players and management scattered to various teams while loyal fans were left disheartened.
Now, Chiponjeka FC has emerged to fill the void.
Coincidentally, the new club is also owned by a miner and businessman, Mr Clemence Tavagwisa, who doubles as the team president. Formed in January this year, Chiponjeka FC has rapidly gained popularity, pulling large crowds to its Division 2 matches in the Central Region.
Mr Tavagwisa said the club was initially established as a social project to steer youths away from drug and substance abuse—issues often associated with gold panning communities.
“I started this Chiponjeka FC with the idea to steer youths away from the perils of drugs and associated social ills,” he said.
“In mining communities, youths often resort to substances to cope with the challenges of their environment, which at times can lead to violence and reckless behaviour.”
He added: “So I discovered that the youth need something that can occupy their leisure time, and the best option was to promote soccer. Soccer unites people, offers a healthy alternative to drug use, and empowers both players and the community.”
What began as a community social initiative has now taken a more ambitious turn.
“Now that we have seen results, the overwhelming support from different stakeholders and the Shurugwi community, we decided to go further, and our vision now is PSL,” said Mr Tavagwisa. “With the way our team is playing, I am optimistic that we will get there sooner rather than later.”
Chiponjeka FC is currently under the guidance of head coach Chris Siyalumba, as the club aims to revive and surpass the legacy left by Nichrut FC.
