Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
41-YEAR-OLD Malvin Makarawu made an instant hit among followers of the game of football, mainly in Mutare with his eye-catching skits popularising Premier Soccer League debutants, Scottland, making waves on social media platforms.
Since gaining popularity, especially after the well-attended Premiership encounter pitting Manica Diamonds and Scottland at Sakubva Stadium recently, Makarawu is now a living symbol of the love of the game of football, let alone his chosen Scottland.
His GoFundMe project for a seriously injured Mutare Juniors football player fortified his status as a truly football loving person.
Born in Mutare’s oldest high density suburb of Sakubva, Makarawu shared his personal history and the infancy of his passion for the beautiful game of football.
“I was born in Sakubva’s OTS section, also known as Old Location. As a young footballer, I was fortunate to have been mentored by the late Nyasha Musa. Together, we won the Regional Trophy in Bulawayo in 1998, sponsored by the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ). The competition was known as the General Manager’s (GMs) Trophy.
“At the time, we were all of school-going age, and our team comprised players from the OTS and Devonshire sections of Sakubva, including Hibron and Taurai Mukukutu, Clemence Mukudu, Emmanuel Sinaputa, Patrick Alfasi, Donald Manhende, and Mike Chikadaya, to name a few. However, in 1999, I discovered a new passion for music and joined the CCAP Voice of Sakubva, alongside Lazarus Muhoni,” he said. Although his playing career was short-lived, Makarawu’s love for football endured, and he found joy in supporting his local teams.
“I have been a staunch supporter of Buffaloes FC since the days when the late Brigadier-General Gibbs Kachana was at the helm. They remain my team of choice when it comes to football in Mutare,” he said.
In 2007, Makarawu had a brief stint playing for a Division One team in Mozambique, alongside Masembo, Musakwa, Knowledge Maheu, Simba Beit, and Kevin Mambozha.
He also played for Railstars’ Under-17 and Under-15 teams. Despite his current affiliation with Scottland FC, Makarawu still harbours a soft spot for Manica Diamonds.
“Prior to joining Scottland FC mid-season last year, I was a die-hard Manica Diamonds fan, and I must admit that 33 percent of me still bleeds Manica Diamonds blood. Last year, I found myself ‘married’ to Scottland FC, mid-season. Previously, I would attend Division One matches at Rufaro Stadium in Harare. Just as Killer T sang in his song ‘Kana Ndanyura’, I have fallen deeply in love with Scottland FC,” he said.
Unlike many of his peers, Makarawu’s passion for football remains locally focused.
“I don’t support any foreign teams, nor am I familiar with their players. I have never felt inclined to watch foreign leagues on television, preferring instead to focus on local football.”
Currently, Makarawu plays for Holiday Inn in the MUSLA League.
His motivation, he explained, stems from his desire to make a positive impact on sports in his hometown.
“For me, Scottland FC represents a point of reference. I love Mutare, and I aspire to be a poster figure for sports, not just football. I am committed to promoting sports development in Zimbabwe, starting with my hometown,” he said.
Makarawu’s vision is to bridge the gap in sports marketing and promotion, injecting hyperactivity into the local sports scene. As he embarks on this journey, he acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead.
“The primary challenges I face are financial in nature. I personally fund all the regalia I wear and the banners I create for every game. Unfortunately, I have not received any external support or assistance for my efforts,” he said.
Makarawu estimates that he spends between US$40 and US$50 per week to support his beloved Scottland FC, despite the significant distance of 265km between Mutare and Rufaro Stadium in Harare, where the team plays its home matches.
“Every time I travel to a match, I incur costs for transport, food, and banners, all of which come out of my own pocket. I do it solely for the love of the game,” he explained.
Some people mistakenly assume that Makarawu’s dedication is motivated by financial gain or expectations of reward.
“Some people think I am in it for money or expectations that one day I will get a Toyota Aqua vehicle, I am really sorry for them and their thinking,” he said.
