dyton mupawaenda
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN every village, in every rural township, lives a story, usually told in hushed tones and laced with regret, of a football genius who never lived up to his full potential.
The boy who could’ve been the next big thing, but was ultimately betrayed by his circumstances.
He is the one whose talent dazzled on dusty school grounds, whose name lit up inter-district tournaments, but who slipped through the cracks of the system. No scouts. No structure. No second chance.
And to those who’ve sat under the mentorship of senior sports journalist Tawanda Tafirenyika, the tale of “Chola” from Hwedza is unforgettable. A rural maestro so outrageously gifted, Tafirenyika swears Chola had more natural talent than Lionel Messi. But Chola never made it, not because he wasn’t good enough, but because he didn’t get the chance.
It’s these kinds of stories, part folklore, part heartbreaking truth, that continue to define rural football in Zimbabwe.
But in the heart of Chiweshe, one man is determined to change the narrative.
Enter Edward Mutukwa, former Black Rhinos chairperson and a man whose football journey began in the same kind of under-resourced rural fields he now seeks to uplift.
In 2022, he founded Mutukwa Academy, a football institution with a vision to identify, nurture, and promote talent from rural and farming communities.
“As someone who came from a rural background where opportunities were and are limited, I feel the need to play a part in uplifting these kids and give them opportunities,” says Mutukwa.
Having been deeply involved in the local football ecosystem for close to a decade, Mutukwa has seen the inequalities first-hand.
“I have been involved in football at the highest level in terms of administration, which includes leading Black Rhinos,” he explains. “Over the years that I have been involved in administration and meeting other executives from top clubs, I realised that the rural child has been left behind.”
He says too often, talent from remote areas is overlooked, not because it lacks quality, but simply because it lacks visibility.
“Interestingly, those that have gone on to play for top-flight clubs usually have a connection with someone in urban areas,” Mutukwa adds.
“The main reason we founded Mutukwa Academy is to give the same opportunities enjoyed by those in urban areas to rural kids.”
That mission is already taking shape. Mutukwa Academy is now preparing for its first season in the ZIFA Northern Region Mashonaland Central Division Two League, and it’s not just there to make up the numbers.
“At school, during social matches, you realise there is an abundance of talent which dies a natural death because of lack of exposure,” Mutukwa says. “Mutukwa Academy is trying to spearhead and advocate for equal opportunities.”
To ensure the team is ready to compete, the academy has already engaged in several warm-up matches against both Division Two and Northern Region Division One sides.
The man tasked with moulding this raw talent is head coach Clever Nyikadzino, and he’s convinced the team is ready to make waves.
“We are ready for the season,” he says confidently. “We have played a lot of teams in Division Two and in Division One, and these games have been key in giving confidence to our players.”
The long-term goal? Promotion, and more importantly, player development.
“I am happy to state that we are all but ready to compete for qualification into Northern Region Division One,” Nyikadzino adds.
In Mutukwa Academy, rural talent finally has a lifeline, a system that sees, nurtures, and believes. And in places like Chiweshe, where once the only dream was survival, young footballers are now daring to dream of stadiums, spotlights, and stardom.
Maybe the next Chola won’t be a myth. Maybe, thanks to Mutukwa Academy, he’ll be the next big name in Zimbabwean football.
Online Reporter