adminBruce Chikuni
FC Platinum skipper and goalkeeper, Petros Mhari, said Charles Charamba’s music has been a source of comfort in his career.
Mhari is a member of Charamba’s Rooted in Christ Ministry that was founded by the musician and his wife, Olivia.
Mhari was born and raised in the mining town of Filabusi in Matabeleland South province.
The 33-year-old said Charamba’s music breathed life into his dream of becoming a professional footballer as it kept him believing despite his underprivileged background.
Mhari said he is so engrossed in Charamba’s music that his teammates call him by the singer’s name.
“Charamba’s music inspired me to be the person I am today.
“I started listening to his music when I was 11-years-old, and it has been like a remedy through my struggles,” said Mhari.
“Most of the times, when one is born in a rural set up, it’s just a matter of time before you start fulfilling what has been programmed for you in that environment.
“But each time I would listen to his music, I developed a growing belief that generational curses could be broken. There are many biblical stories about humble beginnings in his music which kept me on my knees.”
Mhari said he is now friends with the gospel musician.
“I thank God that the dream finally came true and to say we are now friends would be an understatement, as we are now more like a family.
“I started attending his shows when I made my Premiership breakthrough at Hwange.
“Our friendship started on Facebook, and we become close to an extent that I had never imagined,” said Mhari.
While most footballers turn to House, Hip Hop, Afro Pop, Zimdancehall and Amapiano to get themselves charged up before matches, Mhari prefers the comforting sound and lyrics of Charamba’s music for his pre-match ritual.
“Everyone who has been around me knows that I take Charamba’s music seriously. I’m always playing his music when we are travelling and before matches.
“I do that to avoid getting carried away, because I have seen many friends falling by the wayside after failing to handle success.
“Charamba is also a big follower of local football and it’s more exciting that he has a good relationship with my coach, Norman Mapeza.
“I also listen to Jah Prayzer’s music because I relate to many of his songs.”
Mhari has lifted four league titles on the bounce with FC Platinum.
Bongani Ndlovu