Hats off to indigenous businessmen who made football tick in Zim

Charles Mabika Correspondent

THIS week I am continuing with my salutations to the indigenous businesspersons who have or are sacrificing their hard-earned remuneration to uplift our top-flight’s football since Independence.

Here we go again…

1. Tanda Tavaruva — The term “undying love” is the most apt description for this late Masvingo United “father, benefactor, adviser and loyal supporter”. For he loved his “Yuna Yuna” outfit to limitless bounds.

His goal was to land the prestigious League title and it was all in order in the 2005 season when his head coach, Luke “Vahombe” Masomere, led the standings on the very last day of action and just needed a draw against Dynamos to clinch the crown.

But in a cruel twist of fate, with the teams deadlocked 1-1 in the 85th minute, Dynamos struck a late goal on a tricky and muddy pitch at Mucheke Stadium and it was doom for the man they called “Mudhara Mhunga”, a nickname born after his huge fleet of buses known by their brand name “Mhunga”.

Tavaruva will never be forgotten in the local football fraternity and some of his gritty players included Godfrey “Mai Mahofa” Dondo, Tafadzwa “Dhubhz” Dube, Lloyd “Teacher” Hlahla and Kurauone “Tornado” Mudhambani.

2. Cosmas Mudzonga — This late businessman was originally staunch follower of Mhangura FC, who were owned and sponsored by conglomerate Mhangura Mines Ltd.

And when the company decided to sell the “Copper Stars” franchise, up-stepped Mudzonga who persuaded his close friend, legendary Moses “Bambo” Chunga to come and coach the side which the former renamed Hackney as a marketing and public relations arm for his trucking concern also known by the same name.

The side did reasonably well in the top-flight and could have realised Mudzonga’s dream but unfortunately he succumbed to a short ailment and shockingly passed away a few months after the team’s formation.

Some of the players who had moved from Mhangura were Gerald “Mark Fish” Phiri, Benjamin “Kalusha” Zulu, Davison “Dhivha” Gurajena and Tendai “Bhulee” Magwira.

3. John Nyamasoka — Another late, former owner of a club called Rufaro Rovers (not to be confused with the original side of the 70s) of the same name.

The burly owner and financier of this Mbare-based side had plenty of ambitions for his side and he was so passionate that he would ask his head coach, former legendary forward, David “Broom Boy” George, if he could also take in the training drills of his side.

The side, nicknamed “Simbi Inopisa”, included fine players like Owen “Odza” Nhunhama, David “Dhivha” Malunga, Austin Chiwa, Shingirai “Madhimoni” Alron and Butler “MJ” Masango.

Sadly, the going got tough for Nyamasoka before his death and the side folded.

4. Prophet Walter Magaya — There is definitely no questioning the love, passion and dedication that the “Man of God” has for the game and his beloved Yadah FC who are currently in the Premiership.

And he is also capable of matching any local player on the pitch when he puts on his playing kit and is a free-kick specialist!

Many prophets of doom have dismally failed in their bid to claim that each season the “Miracle Boys” franchise was up for sale as the team, who are perhaps the country’s leading “giant killers”, continue to thrill their fans with some fine one-touch “carpet soccer” moves.

The side boasts of seasoned campaigners like Ralph “Banolia” Matema (recently retired), Godknows Managani, Kuda Mangami and Lennox Mucheto.

5. Eric and Liz Rosen — Oh, what a dedicated husband and wife partnership this was as they led their now-defunct team, Motor Action, to the league title in 2010.

Built from the ashes of Blackpool after the Rosens acquired the former’s franchise, “The Mighty Bulls” were a marvel to watch with stalwarts like Clement “Naughty Flea” Matawu, Edmore “MaRibs” Mufema, Marlon Jani, Edward Tembo, Alisara Kondowe and Allen “Bhora” Gahadzikwa.

With Liz always shouting herself hoarse as she cheered her boys on — and her quiet and unassuming husband Eric (late) by her side — this dynamic duo will always be remembered for their vibrant quest for success for their side.

6. Cuthbert Chitima and Sweeney Mushonga — An energetic, well-knitted and close companionship that defied all odds two seasons after being promoted from Division One, they stunned the whole nation after they led their brilliant outfit, Gunners FC, to the League title in 2009.

They followed that fairy-tale with an equally astounding sojourn in the prestigious African Champions League a year later where they stunned continental giants Al Ahly 2-1 at Rufaro in the first leg before courageously bowing out 2-0 in the away return leg.

“Chando Kupisa” had a host of quality artists who include the likes of Ramson “Chingwa Chedu” Zhuwawo, Felix “Mbesuma” Kuswatuka, Lovemore “Pastor” Makwvarara, Byron “Giant” Madzokere and Hardife “Nairobi” Zvirekwi.

Sadly, Chitima and Mushonga also succumbed to the harsh economic environment which saw their dream project usurped.

7. Musa Gwasira, Irvine Mereki, John “Fashanu” Chikochi — This passionate trio led a delectable side called Lengthens a.k.a.

“The Happy People” to dizzy heights on the local Premiership and went farther after they had a dance in the bright lights of the CAF Confederation Cup’s dance floor to send their merry band of fans who mostly hailed from the high-density suburb of Kambuzuma, into wild delight.

Led by a dreadlocked midfield magician named Bryan “Rasta” Mteki, who had ample support from Lloyd “Lodza” Masakusa and ‘keeper Muzondiwa “Busy Mzo” Makonese, this flamboyant project, just like Gunners, sadly fell by the wayside for the same financial drawback.

8. Binali Yard — A charismatic and “crazy” football fanatic, this Mutare-based businessman built an exciting outfit called Highway who were nicknamed “Wega Unosekerera” because of their brand of an attractive and attacking brand of football.

Some of the players who set their home ground at Sakubva Stadium ablaze were Willard “Bute” Katsande, Mike “Dread’ Bingadadi, Tofirei “Tofee” Sambo, Kelvin Thembani and Promise “Zhake” Mandidzidze.

More deserved recognition awaits to Lazarus Mungwari who drove Manicaland side Eastern Lions to some handsome victories under head coach Brenna “BaGari” Msiska in their brief stay in the Premiership fairy-tale fashion with stars like Prosper Matizanadzo, Dananai Chinowawa, Nisbert Zvakare and Themba Ndlovu.

The astute direction of the above financiers, has inspired the likes of Premiership aspirants like the pair of Barry Manandi and Mike Madoda (Golden Eagles), Simba Ndoro (Simba Bhora), Khumbulani Nkomo and Thembilihle Moyo (Talent Vision) and newly-promoted Shesham’s director, Clever Mandaza, to persevere in the curtailing economic conditions, purely for the love of the “beautiful game” and we truly salute you guys.

Thank you. Tinotenda. Siyabonga.