adminFungayi Munyoro
FORMER goalkeeper for the now defunct Tanganda Juniors, Blessing “Jah B” Mutsaka donated a complete kit to Mutare junior soccer powerhouse, La Sakubva Soccer Academy recently.
Mutsaka donated a kit comprising soccer jerseys, football boots, balls and shorts.
This is not his first time donating to the Timothy “Sicho” Masachi-owned soccer ensemble after he once donated jerseys, gloves, tracksuits and balls.
La Sakubva director Masachi could not hide his joy.
“It feels great to be remembered by someone that you are doing something in the community.
“It came as a surprise and we were not expecting it.
“I think he has challenged the big names that came through La Sakubva ranks because most of them are not ploughing back to the institution that groomed them,” he said.
In his hey day, Mutsaka played for Tanganda Juniors and ZUPCO Mutare in the early 90s.
Some of the players that went on to make an impression on the local scene that he rubbed shoulders with include Joseph Kabwe, Nesbert Zvakare as well as City Rovers assistant coach Taurai “Dhana” Makukutu.
Mutsaka was also part of the squad that won the Peter Ndlovu U-19 tournament in 1999.
He also had a stint with ZRP Tomilson, a Division One outfit before joining University Of Zimbabwe FC, where he hung his boots in 2003.
Mutsaka is also the 2015 Mutare Urban Junior League sponsor, which is made up of 13 teams namely La Sakubva, City Veloes Sheckon, Aid Youth, Golden Scissors, Golden Stars, Shooting Stars, P Stars, Mutare Stars, SAPA, Matan and Wagos.
The league has U-12s, U-14s, U-16s and U-18s.
Teams in the junior league have played a total of 10 matches so far.
Mutsaka said the top team at the end of the season will walk away with sports equipment.
He promised to bankroll an end-of-year tournament.
“The main idea of sponsoring junior league is to develop talent in Mutare and also to ensure kids use their spare time productively.
“Junior football is the bedrock of our future soccer and Mutare has talented players.
“The remuneration for players is low and most sponsors want to concentrate on Division One upwards, leaving the junior leagues with little support, yet that is where the players are coming from.
“By sponsoring the junior league, I will also be encouraging other people and clubs to take juniors soccer seriously and look at ways they can support these community junior clubs.
“I am also organising an end-of-year soccer tournament where the 14 teams will take part.
“The prizes will mainly be sports kits and equipment and also school fees vouchers for some players,” he said.
Online Reporter