Mbare son Hunda’s burial today

Takudzwa Chitsiga-Zimpapers Sports Hub

FORMER Black Aces and Chibuku Shumba midfielder Clever Hunda, a respected figure in Zimbabwean football and a proud son of Mbare, will be buried this afternoon at his rural home in Hunda Village, Muchinjike, Murewa.

Hunda, 74, passed away quietly on Wednesday at his Mbare home after a short illness.

A tireless football servant and community unifier, Hunda’s legacy stretches beyond the pitch, with many remembering him as a pillar of Mbare and an inspiration to generations of footballers.

Veteran commentator Charles “CNN” Mabika described him as “a powerful, athletically built midfielder” who began his football journey in the streets of Mbare, Dynamos’ spiritual home.

“Hunda joined Dynamos at a very young age,” said Mabika. “He started training with them when he was just 12, working his way through the junior ranks, under-12s, under-14s, under-16s, and under-18s, before breaking into the senior team around the age of 18.”

Breaking into the star studded Dynamos side of the 1970s proved tough. That team featured legends like George Shaya and Kuda Muchemei, who dominated the midfield. Seeking more playing time, Hunda moved to the now-defunct Chibuku Shumba, and later joined Black Aces, where he finally established himself.

At Aces, he shared the pitch with notable names like Archford “Chehuchi” Chimutanda, David “The Naughty Flea” Muchineripi, Roderick “The Flying Doctor” Muganiri and Boniface Keegan.

After retiring from playing in the early 1980s, Hunda moved to Botswana, where he spent nearly 30 years coaching. He had stints with clubs such as Botswana Police XI and Notwane United before returning home to Mbare.

Even in retirement, Hunda remained a vocal and passionate supporter of Dynamos. Friends say he was deeply troubled by the infighting and instability at the club and often urged for unity and a return to the glory days.

He died heartbroken,” said one close associate. “He never got to see the turnaround he hoped for at Dynamos. But he always wished the likes of board chairman Bernard ‘Magitari’ Marriott Lusengo the best in transforming the team.”