For Manu XI, it’s more than football

Bruce Chikuni

TO Manu 11 FC, social football is not just about having fun and winding down the clock, but it’s about changing lives.

They travel all over the country for the love of the game.

Two of their players have even joined Premier Soccer League side Tenax and ZIFA Northern Region Division One side Karoi United.

Tafadzwa Marera made the grade at Tenax, while Tinotenda Mapingira was signed by Karoi United.

Manu 11 secretary, Tonderai Shumba, said their team was formed as a breakaway from another club they used to be part of.

Shumba said a number of players were side-lined by the team’s leadership, causing a lot of unhappiness, leading to the decision to form Manu 11.

“The team was established in 2010 after a number of our senior players were restricted from playing. “Because of the disgruntlement, we thought it was wise to form our own team where everyone would fit in effortlessly.

“The team is motivated by networking and we are not affiliated to any social league. 

“We pick our opponents randomly,” said Shumba.

He added:

“The trips that we do help us to learn and observe how people in other places are handling challenges.

“It has also helped some of our players break into the professional football ranks.”

He said the team was named after its owner Manu, and 11 represents his friends who play for it.

The team has former PSL players – Leslie Magwede, Jerben Dehwa, Tawanda Raymond and Tafadzwa Mombeshora.