Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
IN the heart of a bustling Makokoba suburb in Bulawayo where many of the city’s celebrated icons were born, where dreams often fell out of reach, one man has stood tall as a beacon of hope for young aspiring footballers.
Playing the beautiful game in a dusty football ground, they all aspire to be the next Peter Ndlovu among a host of other football luminaries from the suburb.
One man has been at the centre of that, having taken it upon himself to nurture young aspiring footballers from his community to follow their dreams.
Wilmot Kwenda (43) has always loved the beautiful game, but more than that, he has a passion for helping others rise from the shadows of their circumstances.
For years, he has been coaching young children in Makokoba and surrounding areas, something which he does from deep within his heart.
He has and continues to offer training and mentorship to all aspiring footballers in his community. Kwenda’s impact on local football is undeniable.
Dozens of players have come out of his hands.
Bulawayo giants, Highlanders FC can attest to that with a number of their first team players being products of Kwenda and his undying passion for junior development. Some of his protégés that have gone all the way to play professional football include Darlington Mukuli, Prince Ndlovu, Gillian Nyathi, Honest Moyo, Nkosilomusa Nyathi, Akim Nkomo, Matripples Mleya, Brandon Mpofu, Nqobizitha Masuku, Nkosinomusa Khanye, Chilbiyo Munkuli, Siyanda Zimba, Alfred Matonsi, Prince Phiri, Nickson Gama, Lewis Zondo, Phathisi Magurenje, Mncedisi Nyoni, Godfrey Makaruse and Elton Sibanda among others.
Seeing all those names go on to make it big from his hands, is a true victory for Kwenda. “I am very happy with the work that I have been doing and continue to do. It is good to see these boys go all the way to reach the top. I started working with them from as young as nine years old,” Kwenda told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Having played football growing up, Kwenda’s dream is to see the youngsters go all the way to fulfil their dreams of playing at the highest level while also playing his role in taking them off drugs and substances. “I started my journey as a coach at Thabiso Youth Centre in Makokoba, working with juniors at Tigers Football Club. We deal with juniors, we want to take those young boys off the streets and drugs. My target is to help them fulfil their dreams for a better future. A number of youngsters have come out of our hands.
“I also played football until Division One and I decided to give back and now I have dedicated my time to helping juniors. I started coaching in 2003, and I am passionate about junior football. This is an important step in one’s career because players get to learn the basics. It makes things easy for them as they progress,” said Kwenda.
Apart from teaching football, Kwenda also shares some life skills with the juniors, helping instil discipline in them while also encouraging them on the power of education.
He said they try by all means to make sure that the players balance between football and schoolwork. He is grateful to all those who have helped him help young aspiring footballers fulfil their dreams.
“I have received immense support from the community. Parents have been extremely helpful. Even former players, some former footballers have come out to assist us. At the moment, we are also working with a South African academy. They have been assisting us and they have been offering opportunities to some of our players to trial in South Africa,” said Kwenda.
He also added that sometimes he struggles with acquiring equipment such as balls, and cones but always tries to make ends meet so that his players get to practice and do what they do best.
With some of his products likely to be getting regular first-team appearances in the top flight league, that is a reason to smile for the dedicated gaffer.
“My dream is to see these boys play football. I am certain most of them will be playing regularly in the Premier League this year. I am happy to see that, it shows that I am doing something right and hopefully, the juniors also get motivated,” he said.
Kwenda has become a respected figure in the community, a symbol of resilience and selflessness.
Though he never sought recognition, the young footballers he helped will never forget the man who believed in them when no one else did. – @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter