adminBruce Chikuni
THERE is a place called PWD in Highfield, which was initially established for immigrants.
The locals call it Mudhadhadha.
It’s known for Nyau gatherings and unruly gangs.
Many of its residents are associated with either criminality, drug addiction or the Nyau gangs.
However, FC Platinum midfielder, Hagiazo Magaya, who hails from PWD, pursued football as his route out of poverty.
Magaya is now in his second season at the Zvishavane side, and already has two Castle Lager Premier Soccer League medals to his name.
He is one of the few players to have achieved that feat at the age of 22.
Magaya credited his grandmother, Madeline Theresa, for being in his corner when his parents were against his choice of career.
“I endured a lot of pain because my parents didn’t want me to play football.
“I was the first born, so I was their only hope of moving them out of that ghetto.
“And, they all insisted that football was not going to bring any fortune to the family,” said Magaya.
He added:
“I never listened because there was a spirit deep inside me which kept me going against their idea and luckily my grandmother was on my side.
“I owe my success to her.
“When I felt like giving up, she was there to encourage me to carry on.
“I would be severely beaten each time I sneaked out to attend training sessions, and I slept without eating, as punishment for my actions, on many occasions.
“Considering my family’s situation, I had no one to turn to for favours. l had to find my own ways to buy soccer boots.”
His grandmother hailed him for overcoming all the odds. “The boy went through a lot, and at one point, my fear was that he was going to run away for good. “But, he kept pushing despite the hostility from both of his parents,” said Theresa.
She said sometimes Magaya was forced to sleep at her house, after attending training sessions, for fear of being punished by his parents.
“I’m really happy for him, he stood his ground and I’m grateful to God for the wonders he is doing for this family through him,” she said.
Magaya got a scholarship to Prince Edward, where his football career blossomed.
He has also featured for the national Under-23 side. “That was the turning point of my life, but my parents were still not convinced.
“I got the scholarship after a tip-off from my friend. “I went for trials and I was fortunate enough to be selected together with Dynamos’ Tanaka Chidhobha.
“I was rejected by many clubs and wasn’t aware that FC Platinum were tracking me.
“One day the call finally came through asking me to join their senior team as one of the five juniors.
“Things didn’t initially go well, as I was thrown into the developmental side until I was elevated to the senior team the following year.”
Magaya said he is now putting the final touches to the house he bought for his family in Stoneridge in Harare.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter