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Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
GREENFUEL forward, Tinotenda Meke is probably the coolest “kid” in Mufakose at the moment after he was honoured with a charming reward for his exploits in the just-ended COSAFA Cup soccer tournament, which took place in South Africa.
Mufakose residents appear determined to make Meke, the next football face of their suburb, given that Khama Billiat is in the twilight of his career.
The Warriors endured an agonising exit at the tournament, which saw Angola taking home the crown following a 4-1 thumping win over Namibia in the final.
Jairos Tapera’s men failed to progress to the semi-finals of the region’s flagship competition despite racking up six points in their three group games.
But that did not stop Mufakose residents from appreciating the fast-rising winger as the latest from a host of sports personalities who have put the suburb in the spotlight.
One businessman in Mufakose was so impressed by Meke, that he decided to put the player’s poster on the rear windscreen of his kombi.
The bulk of kombi owners, normally reserve that space for high-profile players from the bigger professional leagues such as Kylian Mbappe, Earling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bukayo Saka.
It’s a gesture that has only been granted to European stars by most local kombi owners.
Rarely do the kombi owners and drivers stick posters of players from the domestic Premiership on their vehicles, underlining how much the top flight has lost its appeal.
But, Meke who is slowly striking the right chords in his bid to become the next big thing from his “hood” has been honoured by being a poster boy.
Meke told Zimpapers Sports that he is thrilled with the recognition.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw that kombi, I’m very grateful to the person who came up with that idea. It means a lot to me and it keeps me going,” said Meke.
“Having people from the place where you come from behind your back is very important and these are the same people, who have motivated me to challenge myself to aim bigger goals.
“This just shows how excited they were when they saw me playing for the Warriors and it just feels different when such recognition comes from the place where you come from.
“This has challenged me to do more in the remainder of the season.” Some trolled Meke for his unique pre-match team photo pose.
The 20-year-old explained the inspiration behind his pose.
“I have been striking that pose since last season when I was playing for Cranborne Bullets, but it’s only that people came to notice it when I was in South Africa.
“It’s a unique style, which is very popular in South Africa even at their lower division teams and I’m super those who follow the DStv Premiership knows what I’m talking about.
“I have always wanted to play in that league and I’m forever praying for that dream to come true,” he said.
GreenFuel chairman, Fredson Moyo, said he is not surprised with Meke’s progress. Moyo also hailed Denzel Mapuwa for his decent showing during the COSAFA Cup tournament.
“Meke is one player you can always wish to have in your team, and I’m happy that we brought him to our club to support our vision.
“I don’t think people realise his potential, he is improving at a tremendous rate and I just hope he remains as humble as ever for him to go places with his gift,” said Moyo.
“I also believe as a club we are reaping the rewards of investing in youngsters because if you look at Mapuwa, he is just 19 and Meke is 20, and they are being called to represent the country . . . it means a lot to us.
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