Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Zimbabwe international Esrom Nyandoro is about to let go some of pieces he once swore he would never part with.
He is turning six of his most treasured jerseys into a lifeline for the community that raised him.
Each shirt carries a slice of a career that ran from Mzilikazi’s rough pitches to Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu and the biggest arenas on the continent.
The auction will be held at a Johannesburg hotel on December 13.
For Nyandoro the mission is clear.
He wants charity to walk away victorious.
Vimbai Ndlovu, speaking for the Esrom Nyandoro Foundation, said the midfielder’s community work started during Covid when he threw himself into helping families in Mzilikazi.
The needs kept growing and the foundation now has to find fresh ways to keep going.
That is why jerseys he once held close, including the Warriors shirt he wore when he smashed that long range goal against Cameroon at the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia, will be sold to raise money.
Nyandoro’s career carries moments that shaped an era.
One of them came in a 3-5 group stage loss to Cameroon when he unleashed a thunderbolt that became one of the tournament’s standout goals.
Ndlovu said Nyandoro was shaken by the struggle he saw during Covid.
His first response was a donation of 240 bags of mealie meal and that small act grew into a foundation with a wider reach.
“So when Covid 19 was over Nyandoro explored what else he could do.
“He chose education and started assisting children with school fees. Many parents lost jobs and could not afford to continue taking children to school,” said Ndlovu.
She said the foundation will host a gala dinner with a R4000 donation expected from each guest.
“We inviting friends and members of the football, Johannesburg and Zimbabwe community to donate R4000 for a table to go towards charity. There will be live entertainment on the evening,” said Ndlovu.
The night will also shine a light on women making a mark in their communities.
Ndlovu said six women who have championed the Girl Child, including some from Zimbabwe, will be honoured.
“It’s not just the auction, live entertainment we will honour women who have made a positive difference in society,” said Ndlovu.
The foundation is currently paying school fees for 20 learners in primary and secondary school.
