Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini
MORRIS Mukwiti is not just a football coach. He is a talent scout, a mentor, a visionary and a champion of rural development. He has dedicated his time and energy to finding and nurturing young footballers in the rural areas of Zimbabwe and helping them achieve their dreams of becoming professional players.
He knows the potential that lies in the rural communities because he has seen it first-hand. Mukwiti has worked closely with popular clubs like Njube Soccer Academy, which he founded and has produced players like Reason Sibanda, Hillary Moyo and Fanuel Sithole. He has also worked with Mpumelelo FC, Mpopoma cluster, which has produced players like Kelvin “Panda” Chigonero, Brian Mlotshwa, Solomon Sithole, Malvin Hativagone and Njabulo Ngwenya.
“I’m the technical advisor to Corncob FC in Umguza, scouting for young talent and moulding both girls and boys,” said Mukwiti.
He has a track record of success, not only as a coach, but also as a former player. One of his greatest achievements is finding Max Thula Ruza who played for Shabanie Mine and Black Rhinos, and is now a coach at Blanket Mine FC. He has also coached teams in Division One in the eastern region, like (CIWU) Clothing Industry Workers Union FC, which has seen players like Nqobile Nyoni and Brian Jaravaza shine at Arenel FC.
Mukwiti has a passion for scouting for talent in schools, both in urban and rural areas and taking them to organised sports. He believes that football is not only a game but also a tool for social change and empowerment.
Mukwiti’s main concern is that there is a lot of untapped talent in rural areas, which is often overlooked because of the remoteness of some areas and the lack of exposure compared to urban areas.
“These children go unnoticed and are disadvantaged because of their location and lack the adequate resources that can support their talent in the long run,” said Mukwiti.
He is also a strong advocate for gender equality and he is worried about the girl child who is not getting enough support from the society because of religious and societal beliefs that demand the girl child to fulfil domestic chores, whereas she could be out there showcasing how talented she is on the field.
“The girl child is deprived of opportunities given to the boy child and is confined to kitchen duties and subjected to even dropping out of school. My dream is to train them not only to be disciplined on the soccer field, but also in life so they can be respectable members of their respective communities,” he said.
Mukwiti believes that football can also help societies to fight against drugs and substance abuse as well as other criminal activities which are destroying the lives of many youths.
He said support should start at home and as such it is important for parents to realise that they have a role to play in their children’s career development.
Parents can show their support by joining programmes such as Recreational Development Programme, which is the brainchild of the Sports and Recreational Commission.
Mukwiti said his hope is to one day coach at national level.
Online Reporter