Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WARRIORS star Jordan Zemura has been a hero on the field and he is proving to be a game-changer off it by touching and transforming some lives across the country.
Zemura, who plays his club football at Serie A side Udinese with whom he is contracted until 2027, is back home for the off-season break.
Although he was born and bred in the United Kingdom, Zemura’s heart is always home with his ancestral Murewa flowing in his veins.
Through his Jordan Zemura Foundation, the 24-year-old is paying school fees for hundreds of underprivileged children across the country with thousands more getting support in their sporting endeavours.
On Monday, Zemura was in Murewa where he handed over a solar-powered borehole, whose installation he bankrolled at Gumbanjera Secondary School with the project effectively wiping years of toil where the school children and members of the community had to travel for about seven kilometres to fetch the precious liquid.
The cross-country crusade took him to Selbourne in Harare yesterday where he donated football kits and other equipment and he will be in Warren Park on a similar mission.
And the Government has given the Warriors international, a pat on the back, hailing his efforts.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East Itayi Ndudzo said Zemura was a good example of what giving back to the community means.
“Let me take this opportunity to salute the gesture being displayed by Jordan Zemura. He is showing us just how one person’s vision can have a far-reaching effect across communities,” said Ndudzo.
“This borehole alone can change lives in a way one would never have imagined. It looks like just a source of water but its significance can never be quantified. He also donated goodies and that’s a sign of how warm-hearted he is as a person.
“He is a world-standard player, well-known for his set of huge skills and work ethic across the globe. And for him to elect to spend his time with rural folks, doing all he can to better their lives, shows how humble he is.
“I am sure he is not only touching and transforming lives, he is inspiring the next generation to pursue success. All he is doing is showing the world that you can be super-successful in life but remain down-to-earth and live with a purpose.”
Zemura, who often wants to keep his charity work under wraps, said he feels fulfilled each time he sees members of the community wearing a smile through his gestures.
“We will keep on supporting and helping everyone. I have decided to just help those in need. I always talk to my family about it because this is what keeps me going. All I want is to put smiles on each and every underprivileged face.
“Ensuring a reliable and safe water supply system in remote communities makes me very happy. I become even happier when I then see smiling faces because of my efforts,” said Zemura.
“All I wish to do is give a helping hand to whoever needs it. It makes me happy, it soothes my mind and my soul. I wish to do more, always.”
Zemura, along with fellow regulars including skipper Marvelous Nakamba and Marshal Munetsi, were excused from the national team duties for the tour of Morocco for friendly games.
Coach Michael Nees opted to rest some of his stars at the end of their professional seasons.
With 18 caps under his belt, Zemura has become an integral part of the national team, which he helped qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations to be staged in Morocco in December, having supplied two assists in the qualifiers.
He also played key roles for Udinese who finished 12th in the Serie A’s 20-team table, won by Napoli.
The ex-Bournemouth left-back made 23 appearances in the Italian top-flight and played twice in the Italian Cup, scoring once and providing two assists in the league.
There are reports he is a wanted man across Italy’s old guard, including but not limited to Roma and giants AC Milan.
