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Curtworth Masango
Alfred Tavavarirwa is one man who has made an impact on local football with a career spanning more than 23 years.
Particularly he has been a blessing to the people of Kariba where he was the first coach to champion junior football development.
He is the unsung hero considering his contributions to the growth and development of football in Kariba and the country at large.
All top football talents that have been churned out of Kariba came through his hands.
Some of the names include Daniel Chakupe, Trevor Chikede, Nigel Tinarwo, Manfred Gwaruka, Keith Mavhunga, Bonface Zubheri, Shepherd Gadzikwa, Denny Siyabeza, Hamilton Makainganwa, Darren Mutimuzunze, and currently championship winner Leslie Kashitugu among others.
Tavavarirwa, a CAF C licence holder is a primary school teacher and now is working with Kariba Football Academy.
Before he had stints with ZPC Kariba in the lower leagues as an assistant coach and also a junior coach at one point.
“Since I came to Kariba I took the onus of developing football at the grassroots level. It was a new thing in the community and I am proud to say I was one of the first people to make such an initiative that saw several players that passed through my hands being channelled into the topflight with some crossing borders to ply their trade abroad.
“I have been passionate about football since day one and started as a player. I was also a football player but remained in the lower leagues as I was meant to follow the academic way but even at Seke Teachers College I was in the team.
“As a school teacher, I established many teams along the way, and in the year 2000 that’s when I started working with young players in Kariba. It’s been an intriguing challenge, but we have persevered through it.
“We have so many challenges here with the biggest challenge being transport and all training kits. We look forward to all those who can come and assist as we see it as a big sacrifice to our community. We have to invest for the development of our youths.”
Online Reporter