Ex-Chiefs boss focuses on Mpopoma project

FORMER Bulawayo Chiefs FC vice-chairman James Rugwevera has said he is now directing his full efforts to the growth of Mpopoma High School Sports Academy (MPOSA).

After his 10-year marriage with Bulawayo Chiefs, Rugwevera, a renowned Mpopoma High School Mathematics teacher recently stepped down as a Bulawayo Chiefs executive member to become the club’s ordinary member and supporter.

“I didn’t quit Bulawayo Chiefs as such. The thing is I have assumed a leadership role at Mpopoma High School Sports Academy (MPOSA) where I’m now a director. I decided to step down but I remain a member and supporter of Bulawayo Chiefs. My position at MPOSA is very demanding as we are involved in the development of various sport codes such as football, netball, athletics and chess among other sporting disciplines,” said Rugwevera.

He appealed for material and financial assistance for his projects.

“We are trying to help kids stay off the streets, pursue their passion with sport and hope that one day they will turn professional or get scholarships abroad to further their studies. We need resources to get these kids to higher levels of sports excellence,” said Rugwevera.

With a stake in women’s football Premiership side, Queen Lozikeyi, Rugwevera appealed for help to assist the women team complete the 2023 season.

“The team is on the brink of collapse. If they collapse it means we will be the second after Hearts to go down this year leaving Barrow Jets as the only team from this side of the country. Our hope is that these kids may get chances to play and be identified for permanent jobs in the uniformed services,” said Rugwevera who made a name as athletics coach at Amandlethu Secondary School in Lupane in the 1990s.

MPOSA boasts an Under-20 boys team that plays in the Bulawayo Zifa Division Three League and its Under-15 girls team is part of the women’s soccer league. Asked why he left Bulawayo Chiefs, Rugwevera said: “It’s all about concentrating on new challenges but I still have Bulawayo Chiefs at heart. It’s very unfortunate that under this challenging economic situation, Bulawayo Chiefs are getting judged. Every local Premiership club is struggling and I still hope for the best for Bulawayo Chiefs.”

Fondly known as Amakhosi Amahle, Bulawayo Chiefs are facing financial challenges and have as a result lost a number of players and coaches since last season.

Late last week the club parted ways with their head coach Lizwe Sweswe who has joined Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newbies Sheasham on a two-and-a-half-year contract. Sweswe takes over from John Nyikadzino and he will be assisted by Reuben Njavera

Amakhosi also divorced with veteran striker Kudakwashe Musharu who also joined Sheasham. Musharu (36), was released by Amakhosi Amahle late last week amid revelations by the club through their social media pages that they have also since parted ways with defender William Stima, goalkeeper Hebert Rusawo, midfielders Last Jesi and Rodrick Mufudza,Musharu, a former Motor Action, How Mine and Talen Vision forward was unveiled by Gweru-based Sheasham last Thursday.

The Construction Boys also announced the signing of Dinoleen Masukuta from Zifa Northern Region Division One side Harare City. — @FungaiMuderere