When power meets power

THEY come from different spiritual worlds.

They command a huge followership and last Wednesday, they both created an unpredicted sideshow to an international football exhibition match played at the National Sports.

Prophet Walter Magaya and renowned traditional healer Sekuru Kamwelo Banda are not football legends, yet they hogged the limelight when the Zimbabwe Legends hosted the World Class Legends in Harare.

Sekuru Banda, who has risen to prominence for his “supernatural powers”, was part of the VVIP crowd that watched the match and drew wild cheers each time people recognised him.

“Most people do not know that I am a staunch football supporter. I am here simply because I want to watch these yesteryear football heroes.

“Even though I am a very busy man because of the huge number of my clients, I also want to live a normal life and that’s why I also attend these kinds of events,” Sekuru Banda told The Sunday Mail Society.

Sekuru Banda, who also claims that he is a staunch Caps United supporter, said traditional healers play a crucial role in marketing Zimbabwe.

“I have clients who come from as far as China, Japan, USA, Sweden and Canada seeking assistance.

“They just don’t come for healing, they also visit our resort areas and sleep in our hotels,” he said.

The traditional healer was afforded the chance to greet the Zimbabwe Legends during half time and proved to be quite popular with a number of yesteryear stars.

While Sekuru Banda attracted attention on the terraces, Prophet Magaya of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) church wowed his followers from the pitch.

Prophet Magaya was a surprise guest player for the World Legends team and scored from the penalty spot early in the first half in a 5-2 win for the World Legends.

The World Legends team featured players like 2006 World Cup winner with Italy Gianluca Zambrotta, former Brazil player Julio Baptista and former Real Madrid and Liverpool star striker Fernando Morientes.

The Zimbabwe Legends team, which was coached by the legendary Sunday Chidzambwa, featured Ronald Sibanda, Kalisto Pasuwa, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, Lloyd Chitembwe, Laban Kandi, Edelbert Dinha and Dumisani Mpofu.

Stewart Murisa, Alois Bunjira, Lloyd Mutasa, Stanley Chirambadare, Zenzo Moyo and Desmond Maringwa were also part of the Zimbabwe Legends team.

Prophet Magaya said he was requested to play for the visiting legends.

He said the match proved that Zimbabwe is an attractive country.

“I think it has proved that Zimbabwe is a safe destination. For me, it’s a very big boost, even for my ministry,” Prophet Magaya said.