Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
YEARS after hanging up his boots, former Dynamos striker Evans Gwekwerere is back in the spotlight — this time with social side Norton Big Boys.
The veterans outfit made the last 32 of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and were drawn against Premier Soccer League side FC Hunters at Wednesday’s draw in Harare.
The round of 32 in the country’s biggest knock-out competition runs from August 7-9.
Norton Big Boys are a collection of yesteryear stars, including former CAPS United and AS Vita defender Oscar Machapa, former Dynamos goal poacher Roderick Mutuma, and Valentine Ndaba.
Former Orlando Pirates star Takesure Chinyama and Edward Sadomba, who starred for Sudanese giants Al Hilal, are also rekindling the good old days at Norton Big Boys.
“We are happy that we have been drawn to play against a Premier Soccer League side.
“We have got so many experienced players, and we are ready for the game,” said Gwekwerere, soon after the draw.
“Most of the guys in our team have been there before, so there’s nothing to fear,” added Gwekwerere.
Norton Big Boys are out to invoke memories of a social team called Highdon Raylton that caused a stir in the 2002 ZIFA Unity Cup.
Highdon Raylton, who were based at Raylton Sports Club in Harare, stunned CAPS United in the first round in one of the biggest upsets in Zimbabwean football history.
The social club was a collection of former top-flight players and unknown players from Harare’s suburbs.
Some of its players included Brenna Msiska, Henry “Beefy” Chari, and Simon Dambaza.
Highdon Raylton also gave a platform to some unheralded stars like Wilson Zinyongo and Alois Ngwerume, who earned a move to Moroka Swallows after that historic streak.
“We want to thank the sponsors of the Munhumutapa Cup; they have given us a perfect opportunity to play again.
“Back then, there was a team called Highdon Raylton, that’s the same way we are doing our things.
“We are focused as we want to go all the way to the final and lift the Cup.
“Anything is possible,” said Gwekwerere, who made a name at Dynamos in the mid-2000s before earning a move out of the country.
According to Gwekwerere, who also played for CAPS FC and Douglas Warriors, the idea behind Norton Big Boys is to reunite former footballers.
They also want to use football to fight against drug and substance abuse.
“We are Norton Big Boys, and we are a united family.
“Our motto is to preach about drug abuse.
“We are preaching to the whole world, even here in Zimbabwe, so that these upcoming youngsters won’t be able to take those substances.
“If they keep on taking those things, they are shortening their careers because those things are not good for their health.
“So, I encourage those upcoming youngsters and those who are playing in the PSL now to stop taking those things, if they are taking them, so that they can go forward with their careers and they can go and play overseas,” warned Gwekwerere.
