Online Reporter
ARE any of today’s footballers cult heroes?
Many believe the local game has lost its lustre and no longer has players that are idolised by children.
While today there are conflicting interests like other sports, the local hero competes with stars from other leagues.
Others blame it on the dynamism of culture.
In the yesteryear era, especially the 1970s, youths wanted to be like George Shaya, the Mastermind, arguably Zimbabwe’s greatest player.
Shaya was so good that he was crowned Soccer Star of the Year a great five times. He was a football genius with silk moves and a touch of class.
He was a beauty on the field of play gliding past tackles, threading passes with precision and scoring regularly.
“Shayaaa, Shayaaaa, Shayaa,” boys shouted as they dribbled past opponents with a plastic ball on the streets and small pitches.
Even the less skilful called themselves Mastermind literally dragging a legend’s name into disrespect.
The chubby guys were expected to be ball jugglers or hard booters.
Two players come to mind, Majuta Mpofu the great dribbler and juggler of the ball, Ebson “Sugar” Muguyo who had a knack of scoring gems from range.
Majuta nicknamed Jujuju was a crowd favourite and many boys including pencil slim ones would be heard calling themselves by the nickname of the late Bulawayo Wanderers and Highlanders burly forward.
Muguyo was a gem for great Zimbabwe Saints commonly known as Chikwata and Kaizer Chiefs sides of the 1970s.
Nicknamed Sugar, Muguyo who had joined Saints from Sakubva United of Mutare, had a great following.
Another Sugar would emerge in Mugove Munyorovi, a brilliant left footed master dribbler of the late 1980s and 1990s.
Munyorovi was a delight to watch in attack for Darryn T and Dynamos, dribbling and creating chances for fun. So many kids tried to replicate his style of play which was pure entertainment.
Highlanders leftback Archford Faira dresses smart like the 1980 Soccer Star of the Year, the late David Mandigora.
Mandigora’s shorts were worn differently, high up and tucked.
His anchoring role back then stood out as the way he wore his shorts and the long throw ins he took.
So many youngsters were inspired by him and loved his tactical play and discipline.
If Mandigora raised his shorts, Shaky Tauro was the opposite, his deliberately dropped at the back and deceptive limp walk.
His sudden quick breaks, tearing off centrebacks were among attributes boys tried to steal from his bag of tricks.
July Sharara, David “Dididi” Khumalo and Daniel “Dhidhidhi” Ncube had their own fair share of admirers.
Sharara shone on the wing for Black Aces and Dynamos while Khumalo before the rise of Kakoma Kayonga and Machona Sibanda as wingmasters for Thathalula as Wankie FC was called, every boy at Number One, Madumabisa, Railways, JTL, Sinderela and Makwika called himself Dididi after the dribbling wizard.
There were so many Robert Godokas countrywide inspired by the Rio Tinto winger. He was visible because of his light complexion and colourful boots, a rarity in the 1970s probably picked up from his stint with Kaizer Chiefs.
Boy Ndlovu, had many kids trying to take after him, hooking their right hands and trying tricks that no other player except himself could do.
“Bhoyiii, Bhoyiii,” the boys shouted and dreamt of being great stars.
Some even went on to give their sons names of players like Madinda (Ndlovu), Stanford (Stix Mtizwa), Joel (Shambo) Moses (Chunga), Mike (Abrahams) in recognition and appreciation of the talents.
Black Rhinos and Dynamos’ Japhet Mparutsa and Ananias Dube of Highlanders and Olympics were by any standards, shorter than big goalies Mike Mhlanga, Musa Muzanenhamo, Stewart Gilbert, Ranga Mutunga, Proud Chinembiri (Kilimanjaro) and Masiiwa Sakala.
So many youngsters who could have been bullied out of the game got encouragement from Shortcat Mparutsa, who probably he best Zimbabwe goalkeeper ever.
Defenders too had their own followers, boys who wanted to be like them.
Left footers with pace would fancy being the next Oliver “Flying Saucer” Kateya, those with a “manchoman” affliction enjoyed watching Douglas Mloyi, Majid Dhana, Doorman Moodley, Josphat Humbasha, Misheck Sibanda who took no prisoners on the field.
Players were idolised, themselves role models who encouraged generations to take after them.
Bosso’s breathtaking teams of 1998-2002 and the 2006 was probably the last to attract street soccer boys calling themselves after the Tapuwa Kapinis, Thabani Masawis, Zenzo Moyos or “Biya” after Thulani Ncube, ‘Walker Texas Ranger’ for Dazzy Kapenya a set of boys who booked themselves into football folklore.
Dynamos’ last teams of 1998 and mid first decade of the millennium, CAPS United of 2004/2005 had quality and a number worth nicknaming after.
Star-shadowing played a role, carrying a sports bag for your neighbourhood football hero also helped shape dreams or build a fan base.
Fans enjoy watching local teams with boys from their hood.
Today’s players lack the staying stamina for kids to ride in their stardom.
Very few can compete for almost 13-17 years at the top of their game like Gibson Homela, Peter Ndlovu, Madinda Ndlovu, Stix Mtizwa, Maronga Nyangela, Bernard Zikhali, Mulenga Chewe, Washington Arubi, Tapuwa Kapini, Kuda Musharu, Isaac Phiri, Agent Sawu, Noel Kaseke or Eddie Mashinya.
Local coaches remain challenged to create stars that kids can dream of emulating.
