NEW: Chunga speaks on drug abuse by footballers

Online Reporter

LOCAL football legend Moses Chunga believes that budding footballers should desist from drug and substance abuse if they are to make the most of their lives.

Chunga, who was a guest at Eastern Region Division One side Grayham FC’s end-of-year awards ceremony on Friday last week, is also worried about the declining standards of football in Zimbabwe.

“When I go out of the country, people ask me if Zimbabwe will ever produce another Moses Chunga.

“I tell them it will be difficult because of the quality (of local football). We need to up our game and improve the quality of our players so that they are marketable to foreign leagues,” said Chunga.

The former Dynamos and Warriors star joined Dynamos as a teenager in 1983, before winning the 1986 Soccer Star of the Year award after scoring a record 46 goals for DeMbare.

Chunga then moved to Belgium, where he turned out for Eendracht Aalst between 1988 and 1992.

“I grew up in a compound at Lytton there, near Mufakose, in a place that was known more for tobacco processing.

“But, because of my talent and discipline, I rose to become one of the best players in the country.

“Football took good care of me,” he said.

The former Warriors skipper also hailed Grayham FC owner Gray Hama for sponsoring local football development.

“We all know how difficult it is to sponsor a football club. There are a lot of clubs that folded because of financial challenges, but Gray Hama and his wife have soldiered on.

“So, the players should repay them by putting up polished performances on the pitch.

“But, for one to perform, one has to train hard. You are as good as you train.”

Added Chunga: “These days we have a lot of dangerous drugs and it’s affecting our players. Stay away from these drugs and keep believing in yourself.

“What you believe you can be.”

Grayham FC are based in Ruwa.

They play their home games at Chiremba in Melfort.

“We are facing a lot of financial challenges, but we will keep the team going,” said Hama.

Grayham finished eighth on the log standings.