Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ANTHONY Nakamba pauses for a moment as he thinks about the ground that shaped him. He will walk back into Chakona Stadium this weekend, not as the teenage goalkeeper who once dreamed there, but as a man returning to honour the place that raised him.
“It feels emotional that I am going to a stadium that I played on, a community that raised me, and people who had high hopes for me as a goalkeeper.”
His son’s foundation, formed in 2018, is running a junior tournament on Saturday and Sunday in Hwange. It is a full-circle moment for Anthony. This is where he first stepped into competitive football as a Form Four pupil at Wankie Secondary School, turning out for Zesa, now Megawatt, during their first Division One season in 1989. The team, the town and those early struggles still sit close to his heart.
“Charity begins at home and we decided to bring a junior tournament to where it all started for me. Hwange holds a very special place in my heart. We sat with Marvelous Nakamba earlier in the year and realised that we have not done enough for the Hwange community. I was born in the district and grew up in Hwange, where, motivated by local legends like the late Posani Sibanda, I found myself playing in goals.
“It feels good to be playing a part in the development of Zimbabwe’s future talent. I have no doubt that those boys playing on the weekend will have some scouts looking for talent to develop. From what I saw in the Honourable Jacob Francis Mudenda Soccer Tournament, Hwange and Dete have good talent. That talent needs exposure beyond the district’s boundaries. It is important that they measure up with kids from elsewhere in the country to gauge whether the development initiatives measure up to standards across the country.”
Distance, tight budgets and the isolation of local communities have often kept Hwange’s youngsters hidden from the wider football scene. Bringing teams from Bulawayo, Harare, Nkayi, Victoria Falls and Dete changes that. For many, it will be their first chance to compete on a broader stage.
“It is time for football to be the victor and let junior talent shine. They need exposure which goes beyond their talents; it is the personalities that they will be in the future which will benefit when they cross-pollinate cultures, as well as demonstrating the integral part sport plays in the everyday lives of communities,” said Anthony.
This is the second tournament run by the Nakamba Foundation. The first was held in Bulawayo, where Majesa from Mutare impressed and one of their youngsters went on to earn a Warriors call.
From the national camp, Marvelous spoke about taking the project home.
“I remember kicking the first balls when I was very young. Must have been four or so years old toying around with balls in Hwange’s Madumabisa and our rural home, Dinde. It is good to take the tournament to my father and I’s roots. I hope the lads will have a good time there and even see from close range the famed Hwange Thermal Power Station that they read about in books and newspapers.
“I pray that scouts who will be there will take down a few names for consideration. The future lies with the youngsters. I was smitten to share the dressing room with Prosper Padera, who played in my tournament in 2022 and was among the standout players. I am happy to do something in my community for the sport.”
Ten teams are expected. GG and Scottland will make the long trip from Harare. Bulawayo will send Njube Spurs, Highlanders and the rising Biya and Friends project. Nkayi Academy, Ponel Academy of Dete, Dinde, Hwange select and Victoria Falls’ Golden Lions complete the field for the two-day festival.
Anthony says preparations are in place and the teams will be fully kitted by sponsors.
“We can safely say all is set for the event.”
