Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS the country inches closer to Heroes Day next month, Zimbabwean football legend Alexander Maseko has opened up about the privilege of playing in the Heroes Cup, calling it more than just a football tournament, but a celebration of sacrifice, patriotism and unity.
The former Highlanders, Darryn T, Mamelodi Sundowns and Warriors centre-back featured in several Heroes Cup finals, winning the prestigious tournament in 1986, 1988 and 1990.
“Heroes Day has always been a big occasion, honouring the heroes of the struggle,” said Maseko. “I enjoyed playing in those matches before packed crowds. Maybe we were chosen because of our crowd pulling power, but above all, it was about commemorating something greater than sport.”
Back then, fixtures were either direct invitations or based on league standings. Highlanders would often clash with Dynamos or CAPS United, delivering blockbuster contests at the National Sports Stadium.
“Sometimes we’d face Zimbabwe Saints in the semi-finals and go on to meet Dynamos or CAPS in the final,” he said. “Whenever Bosso played in the final, a bumper crowd was guaranteed.”
Maseko called the Heroes Cup “a government event with national significance,” and said it became a tradition players looked forward to. The games were fierce, but they united communities.
“There was never a small Heroes Cup match. Playing before capacity crowds motivated us. We played for our teams, but also for the nation.”
He starred alongside Highlanders greats like Douglas Mloyi, Fanuel Ncube, Rahman Gumbo, Willard Khumalo, and Madinda Ndlovu in the 80s, and later led a younger generation featuring Peter and Adam Ndlovu, Gift Lunga Snr and Makheyi Nyathi in 1990, when Bosso completed a famous league and cup double, including the Heroes Cup.
As Zimbabweans gear up for this year’s commemorations, football remains at the heart of national reflection, with the Heroes and Defence Forces Days again expected to feature major matches across the provinces.
