Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DYNAMOS patron and Chegutu East legislator Webster Shamu feels Zimbabwe’s sports heroes are being less celebrated unlike in other countries.
Zimbabwe has produced some high-profile sporting personalities since attaining Independence in 1980.
These include former African boxing champion Proud “Kilimanjaro” Chinembiri (late), former Warriors captains Moses “Bambo” Chunga and Peter Ndlovu, the first black African to feature in the English Premiership football, as well as ex-Olympic champion Kirsty Coventry.
The long list also includes legendary ex-Chevrons skipper Andy Flower, Charles Manyuchi, a former holder of the World Boxing Council Silver welterweight belt, CAF Champions League history maker Edward Sadomba and karate hero Samson Muripo.
“We feel that the young people of Zimbabwe, and the nation as a whole, should obviously be able not only to honour heroes in the various aspects of life, but also to meet them when they are still alive.
“Yet in other countries they even celebrate parents of their stars,” Shamu told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
As part of his efforts to connect communities with their sporting heroes, Shamu hosts an annual sports tournament in Chegutu.
This year’s edition will be at Dombwe Primary and Secondary schools today.
“We run a league throughout the year but this one is a knock-out tournament involving netball and football.
“At the same time these sports festivals also serve as a platform for the community to meet their sporting heroes.
“And there is no one who can have any doubts as to the role that the likes Edward Sadomba played in the development of football and soccer in this country,” added Shamu.
Sadomba is one of the sports stars that will grace the tournament including former CAPS United defender Dumisani Mpofu.
“This year, we have decided to invite our celebrity, Edward Sadomba, to come and be our guest of honour.
“He will bring other former footballers.
“The reason being that not only is he a celebrity, but also fits our theme this year which is, Lest We Forget,” added Shamu.
“Therefore, we have to honour him and celebrate our sports heroes, so that the youth are made to understand that success has its own history, and when you succeed, people always remember you.
“So, it is of no use for us to talk about Sadomba when he’s gone.
“I would rather use this opportunity to make the people meet him and hear what he has to say about soccer.”
Sadomba made it so huge in Sudan while starring for Omdurman giants Al Hilal that fans of the club composed a song in his name. The former speed merchant is still revered in Sudan.
