adminThe charity match is not only a social football game but also a gathering of souls whose main purpose is to support those in need. A lot of musicians have graced these great gatherings at Gwanzura in Highfield or at Rufaro Stadium in Mbare.
This year things are different and a lot has changed.
Just two years ago, the musicians’ side boasted a line-up of big names like Tongai “Dhewa” Moyo, Cephas “Motomuzhinji” Mashakada, Sam Mtukudzi and Prince Tendai Mupfurutsa.
Only last year three of the country’s top musicians – Dhewa, Motomuzhinji and Prince Tendai – passed on.
The young Mtukudzi died in a car accident with his childhood friend and sound engineer Owen Chimhare a year later, Motomuzhinji succumbed to diabetes, a few months later it was Dhewa who passed on, after battling cancer.
As 2011 drew towards the end, most music fans, who still had tears in their eyes, were shocked after Prince Tendai, one of the trendsetters and charismatic musicians, was pronounced dead.
But those not in the know would argue that Prince Tendai never kicked a ball at the charity match or that he was never part of the line-up.
Many will tell you that he was running the show from behind the scenes and those who attended the second edition of the charity match at Gwanzura would remember how the crowd mobbed him on the pitch.
His Sokhaya Charity Cup match for people living with HIV and Aids was later held and had more or less the same objectives.
The late Midnight Magic leader was buried at his rural home in Hurungwe.
A good number of people believe that if these departed musicians were still with us, this year’s charity match would have been something big but since they are no longer with us maybe we need to spare a thought
for them.
The musicians’ side will walk onto the Rufaro Stadium pitch with a heavy heart but knowing that they have the whole crowd behind them.
No matter how good the football legends play, the majority of fans will always rally behind the musicians.
From the musicians side, Oliver Mtukudzi will be the captain while Mama Red Rose will be the coach.
Initially, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, a new face on the team sheet, was supposed to be the medic but she will be playing in midfield.
Another newcomer is Winky D, “The Ninja President” and perhaps he will bring along Lypsy for moral support.
Other musicians expected to feature include Nicholas “Madzibaba” Zakaria, Hosiah Chipanga, Alick Macheso, First Farai, Sulumane Chimbetu, Morgan and Tendai Dembo.
Peter “Dhewa” Moyo, the leader of the Utakataka Express, is expected to feature as a striker. The Peter and Mtukudzi combination is likely to generate a lot of spark up front.
In goals will be Baba Charles Charamba and he is expected to give the yesteryear stars a tough time as he anoints the goal area.
Energy promises to be very high on the football legend’s side as it features the cream of yesteryear stars among them Moses Chunga, Norman Mapeza, Peter Ndlovu, Rahman Gumbo, Memory Mucherahowa,
Brenna Msiska, Young Vitalis, Madinda and Adam Ndlovu.
The curtain-raisers will include the Print Media against the Electronic Media team and Motor Action versus CAPS United.
Partson Chimbodza of Chipaz Promotions said they were planning on doing things differently this year.
“The first thing is we want to make the charity match a memorable one and secondly proceeds from the matches will go towards assisting the Junior Soccer Development as well as Freddie Chimombe, the son of the late musician James,” he said.
According to Chipaz, fans will pay US$2 for the rest of the ground and US$5 for the VIP. There will be lots of entertainment from the performing artistes during and after the games.
The brainchild of music promoter Chipaz Promotions, the charity match is now in its fifth year.
Online Reporter