Msika was committed to the liberation struggle

MAJUTA Nevison Masunda has described his late Mashonaland United (Zimbabwe Saints) teammate, former Vice President Joseph Msika as a resolute cadre who committed himself to the liberation struggle when they were still boys.

Masunda, who joined Mashonaland United, later renamed Zimbabwe Saints at the instigation of nationalist leaders Joshua Nkomo and Herbert Ushewokunze in 1944, said he played with Msika for a number of years.

The late Vice President played as a towering right back while Masunda was the team’s pacy centre striker who earned the nickname “Scorer” because he was ever on the scoresheet.Masunda said the late Vice President always spoke about politics when they were in camp or at practice.

He had a burning desire to see Africans free and started off at Rhodesia National African Congress before joining the National Democratic Party and the People’s Caretaker Council and thereafter Zapu.
“He was a disciplined teammate, who bonded well with others and liked teamwork. He always spoke politics and was not very persuasive, perhaps it was to retain the team spirit.

“I was among those who bought into his politics and assisted political parties. Even when people were being detained, it is when we started being more active in mobilising young people to join the struggle. We also helped with what was needed for the cadres said,” Masunda.

For his efforts, Masunda was often in bad books of the Rhodesian government.“I was arrested a number of times and detained without a trial,” said the former Chikwata striker.He said during his time with the likes of Msika, United Africa, Matabeleland Highlanders and Mashonaland United were the top teams in the league.

Masunda confirmed that most teams tended to have people from the same village and district.
But he said Mashonaland was different.Masunda said he does not remember any day Msika crossed anyone’s path.

“He was a gentleman and I am not surprised he became Vice President of Zimbabwe. He was among the best players of our time and played for the Red Army, which was a Bulawayo Select, the best players from the city,” he said.Masunda said the late nationalist was a towering fullback who gave opponents a torrid time because of his physique.

While marriage in 1953 took him out of the game, Msika was lost to politics where he had a stronger passion.On Saturday, Masunda was celebrated by his family and neighbours at the Chawatama area in Buhera.He turned 100 years on March 25.

“We thought we should celebrate him while he is still alive. We did not want a situation where people speechify by his graveside,” said Robson, one of his sons.