Story by Raynald Ngwarati
IT was a walk down memory lane at Old Hararians Sports Club this Saturday, as Zimbabwe’s yesteryear football stars rolled back the years, but this time, for a greater cause, fighting drug and substance abuse.
Nostalgia filled the air as fans cheered on familiar names that once lit up stadiums across Zimbabwe and beyond.
Former Dynamos, Black Mambas and CAPS United stars – the likes of Washington Pakamisa, Evans Gwekwerere, and Hardlife Zvirekwi traded glory for advocacy, using football to send a powerful message – reject drugs, choose life.
Spearheaded by ZIFA Board Member for Development, Brighton Ushendibaba, the tournament was more than just a football event, it was a community movement aiming to inspire young people to steer clear of drug and substance abuse.
“For us to uplift our football, we need to go back to the former players who have the know-how of the game. That is why we are working with those who have played the game before, for they know life on and off the pitch. That’s why we called those former players aged 30 years and above. We have learnt a lot, especially discipline. Our youngsters should copy discipline from these legends if they want to reach greater heights,” he said.
“We want to walk the talk, hence we invited the youths to come and see former footballers, and they learn from the likes of Dumisani Moyo, who is now over 50 but still playing. That longevity is a result of shunning drugs,” PanJap Representative Tererai Senga noted.
The PanJap Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Tournament attracted people from different provinces across the country.
“We praise these noble initiatives because even the legends are being given a platform. Some legends are despised by society because, after football, some struggle, but this initiative is great. Also, the drug menace is killing a generation, and if the older generation can display this, then it is a positive,” Friends of Warriors Organising Secretary, Rinos Rambi said.
“What drove us here is the theme. What PanJap has done needs to be supported. Men, women, girls, and boys are perishing due to this menace, but we want to say drugs don’t solve anything,” NATO Player, Elias Vas Maginya added.
The event also drew support from current football icons, including former Warriors captain Knowledge Musona and his younger brother Walter, who came out to show solidarity with the cause and the legends they once looked up to.
Meanwhile, Harare-based social football club Mabhinya were crowned the champions after a penalty victory to bag this year’s edition of the PanJap Anti-Drug Abuse Tournament.
