Shattered dreams of talented youths

Loverage Nhamoyebonde Features  Correspondent
After realising his God-given talent, Mudere started preparing himself to become one of Zimbabwe’s “most celebrated soccer players” and perhaps the whole world.
While at secondary school, the young Mudere was convinced that he was born to play soccer and the sport was the only gateway to success.
When he completed his education, Mudere took up soccer as a career at a local football club.

As new opportunities crossed his path, his hopes were rekindled and he held on to the dream of finding the correct platform to showcase his talent to the world.

The young man kept on looking at the horizon anticipating the arrival of representatives of sports associations in his remote area to scout for talent and help him realise his dream.

Mudere was confident that one day he would be the first person to be spotted for a possible career move to the bright lights of the city.
He knew that it was the only chance that could propel him to the fulfilment of his dream, but it never happened.

Today, Mudere lives on vivid memories of that promising career that was, however, foiled by circumstances beyond his control.
The effects of living in a remote area, coupled with a poor financial background and lack of support, finally shattered that dream of a soccer player who was determined to “lift the Zimbabwean flag high.”

Mudere’s story is but a drop in the ocean as many promising careers in most parts of Zimbabwe’s rural areas die naturally due to lack of resources. A few organisations that have targeted youths in rural areas like the Worldwide Scholarships are however guilty of failing to go deeper into the remote parts of the country to get talent. They tend to concentrate in the areas surrounding major cities leaving those in Muzarabani, Binga and Mudzi to curse lack of opportunities.

As such Muzarabani District Sports and Recreation Committee recently hosted a sports gala on December 22 last year with the aim of rescuing talented youths living in remote districts like Muzarabani from their helpless situation.

The event that coincided with the 26th Unity Day Anniversary saw people from both Muzarabani South and North constituencies converge at Gatu Primary School in Centenary to participate in several sports activities such as soccer, netball, chess, darts and snooker.

Muzarabani District Sports and Recreation commission officer Mr Kudakwashe Mataringe said they aim to develop sport and recreation in the district.

“It is our mandate to promote sports and recreation activities in our area and empower talented youths so that they take up sport as a profession and spur social and economic development in the district. Our aim is not only limited to disengaging youths from drug abuse and risky behaviours that fuel the spread of HIV and AIDS, but we aim to develop community sports and furnish locals with the correct platform where they can pursue their talents,” he said.

Mr Mataringe however lamented the fact that sports associations mandated with the task of promoting sports and recreational activities in the country are deliberately side-lining rural communities and remote parts of Zimbabwe, in particular.

“Responsible authorities must focus more on rural communities and organise training programmes for sports leaders.
“People from rural communities cannot afford to train as sports leaders because the prices are beyond their reach. An individual is expected to pay US$80 for level one and US$100 for level two courses respectively, an amount which is not affordable to many people owing to their poor financial background,” he said.

The absence of sporting facilities in Muzarabani district is exacerbating the situation making it difficult for sports and recreational activities to tick.

Muzarabani South constituency Ward 16 councillor, Mrs Cleopatra Mwale said plans were in place for the construction of recreational facilities in the area as long as funds are made available.

“Council has plans to build sporting grounds and recreational facilities but to realise this goal we have partnered a local land developer, Datco Group.

“The company, apart from building houses in our area, is expected to construct recreational facilities on the land allocated to them by the council,” she said. Residents however feel the Muzarabani Rural District Council has been treating them unfairly as it has promised to build recreational facilities.

They are hopeful the promises this time would not be just another lip service to silence them.
Centenary Academy FC captain who identified himself as Chimukuyu said local authorities must take sporting and recreational activities seriously.

“We have many talented young women and men in our area who are failing to pursue their careers due to lack of sporting facilities and sponsors who are willing to fund sport development,” he said.

Datco Group Mashonaland Central manager Mr Mangarai Manengureni said it was important for the future of Muzarabani district that the youths develop a sense of belonging to their community.

“We hope to empower communities and youths in particular through our social responsibility initiative.
“We are prepared to continue promoting sporting activities in Muzarabani and ensure that the community will become empowered through meaningful, constructive and lasting solutions to their problems.

“This will go a long way in creating a unity of purpose among youths,” he said.
Mr Manengureni urged Muzarabani community to fully embrace the opportunity as it would help youths take their sporting talents to the highest level.

Datco Group is a local property developer established in 2007 and it is currently working on a housing scheme in Muzarabani district.
It has several housing projects in Marondera, Kadoma, Gweru, Zvimba and Harare.

Muzarabani North and South Senator Cde Jenia Manyeruke challenged sports associations in Zimbabwe to go out to rural areas and scout for talent.

“Sports associations like the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) must come to rural areas and help talented youths to compete at national level.”

Chief Hwata (Maxwell Dzapasi) of Gutsa communal lands under Muzarabani district urged youths to participate in sporting activities.
“Youths must take sports, arts and culture seriously so as to occupy themselves with productive things and contribute to the development of the area,” he said. Chief Hwata added that Muzarabani has an agro-based economy and many people specialise in cotton farming which is sometimes threatened by economic constraints and climatic conditions hence the need to take up sport as a development tool.

The Zimbabwean Constitution provides that the State must take all practical measures to encourage sporting and recreational activities, including the provision of sporting and recreational facilities for all people.

Hopefully this will not only benefit urban areas but cascade to the remote parts of the country.

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