malvernmugadzikwa
Langton Nyakwenda and Don Makanyanga
SHARING the same birthday with Jesus Christ comes with a great feeling, especially when you are a popular sports personality with a strong belief in Christianity.
But for some professional footballers — a Christmas birthday comes with a price — as there is no time to celebrate because of the hectic fixtures that usually characterise the festive period.
Zimbabwe international left back Ronald Pfumbidzai and midfielder Devon Chafa — a serial winner of the local Premier Soccer League championship — are some of the footballers born on Christmas Day.
Senior national cricket team wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie is also a Christmas Day baby.
Joylord Gumbie
Gumbie turns 28 tomorrow.
Pfumbidzai is turning 29 but the former CAPS United star will have little time to celebrate because of a demanding schedule for his South African Premiership side SuperSport United.
SuperSport beat Sudan’s Ali Hilal 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday. They played Orlando Pirates yesterday and have another league fixture at Richards Bay on December 30.
As a result, Pfumbidzai will have just a day off to celebrate, before getting back to business on Boxing Day.
“There is no rest this Christmas, because of the fixtures we have,” Pfumbidzai told The Sunday Mail Sport.
The gifted defender is planning to have lunch with his family and then do a braai on Christmas Day.
“I will also invite my sister so that we can have time to discuss family issues. But basically, there is no time because on Boxing Day we are back at work,” he said.
Pfumbidzai has recovered from a nagging injury and has been a key member of Gavin Hunt’s side.
Back home, the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League is on an off-season break and local players have the time to go for holidays with their loved ones.
But Chafa, who turns 33 on Christmas Day, wants to spend the day hustling.
The veteran midfielder has a shop in Harare that sells different wares.
“We will be at the shop with my wife selling our wares,” revealed Chafa.
“We will then go to Victoria Falls for a short holiday on December 27.”
Chafa has a special record on the local football scene.
He is the only player with seven league championships with three different clubs.
Chafa won four straight titles with Dynamos between 2011 and 2014, before adding a fifth one with CAPS United in 2016.
He then won two more titles with FC Platinum in 2018 and 2019.
“It’s a record I cherish a lot,” Chafa says.
Chafa has 13 years of experience in the top-flight and is a role model to some upcoming footballers
“It’s all about self-discipline, knowing the right things to do, but most importantly, extra training has kept me going.
“With age catching up, you need your muscles to remain strong.
“But I still want to play up to the age of 35 and I still have the desire to achieve more.
“Yes, I have won a number of league championships but in football, you always want more,” he said.
Chafa also offered some advice for budding footballers.
“Upcoming players have to be disciplined and focused. They should shy away from drugs and dangerous substances.
“You need to be professional in what you do. Whether it’s eating, drinking and sleeping.
“This is the festive season and people will be eating and drinking all sorts of stuff, so it’s up to the players to remain professional and know what to eat and what not to eat.”
On the contrary, there is no time to rest for some of Zimbabwe’s foreign legion as there are games in the DSTV Premiership; English Premier League; and in Malawi, where Kalisto Pasuwa’s Nyasa Big Bullets are involved in the Castel Cup.
Marvelous Nakamba’s Luton Town had an assignment against Newcastle yesterday and will face Sheffield United on Boxing Day. However, Marshall Munetsi and Tino Kadewere can afford a short rest as the French Ligue 1 has no fixtures during the Christmas holiday.
Gumbie remarked: “I would say a lot of things have changed since I last celebrated my 27th birthday and to be honest, this year’s birthday is a bit different. I am going to celebrate my birthday with a little difference because of what the Lord has done for me and my family this year.”
Although he made his debut in professional cricket as an 18-year-old back in 2013 for Eagles, it took him a decade to finally live his dream of donning the red and golden colours of the national team.
Gumbie says that feat gives him every reason to celebrate his birthday this year differently.
He made his international debut for the Chevrons in June against Nepal.
Since then, he has gone on to represent the national team in the One Day Internationals on 10 occasions
“This year is really special to me. Like I said, a lot of things have changed for me career-wise. It has always been my dream since I was a young boy to play for the national team and this is the year that I have finally achieved one of my dreams.
“I am really happy about that,” said Gumbie.
He described making his debut for the national team as an amazing experience, which he credits to hard work and “the grace of God’’.
“The feeling is amazing, knowing you are doing what you love most.
“I’m happy being in this position because I have worked for it and God is doing his things.
“I’m so happy and the feeling that I am turning 28. I feel like I am loved by God.”
He also took time to reflect on his cricket journey so far.
“I wouldn’t say it was easy because sometimes when you think you have made it, that is when you find yourself making a step backwards, so I am always reminding myself of where I have come.
“It is amazing to celebrate it knowing that I have achieved some of the goals and also dream of a bright future.
“Hence, I am looking forward to achieving more in my international career and be there for my country and score centuries for the Chevrons,” said Gumbie.
Online Reporter