Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
Local football legends converged at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare this Saturday for a tournament that served to also inspire young players.
The event was a nostalgic trip back in time, reminiscent of the good old days when household teams like CAPS United, Dynamos, Black Aces, and Black Rhinos clashed for many year at the football stadium.
The tournament was designed to give the youngsters a glimpse of the past, showcasing the skills and passion of the legends who paved the way for the growth of Zimbabwean football.
The likes of Tatenda Sharara, Maronga Nyangela, Ephraim Mazarura, Robson Masauso, Brito Gwere, Moses Chunga, Lloyd Chitembwe, Lloyd Mutasa, Alois Bunjira, Stanford Stix Mutizwa and Mike Temwanjera were all there to inspire the next generation of Zimbabwean footballers.
Former Black Rhinos striker Stanford Stix Mutizwa said, “This tournament is a great way to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of footballers. As legends, we’ve been fortunate enough to have had our time in the spotlight, and now it’s time for us to pass on our knowledge and experience to the youngsters.”
His sentiments were echoed by former Black Aces midfielder Davies Mbidzo.
“I am thrilled to see so many young faces here today. This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from us, but also for us to learn from them. The energy and enthusiasm of the youngsters is infectious, and it’s a reminder that football is a game that can bring people together across generations,” Mbidzo said.
The event also provided a platform for the young players to interact with their role models, learn from their experiences and draw inspiration from their stories.
“As a legend, it’s heart-warming to see the youngsters looking up to us as role models. This tournament is a chance for us to share our stories, our experiences, and our passion for the game with the next generation,” stated former Black Aces and CAPS United goalkeeper, Brenna Msiska.
Former Dynamos defender Henry Chari noted, “This tournament is a celebration of Zimbabwean football, and it’s a testament to the power of the game to unite us all. As legends, we’re proud to have played a part in shaping the history of Zimbabwean football.”
As the legends took to the pitch, it was clear that they still had the spark that made them household names during their playing days.
The significance of the tournament lie in its ability to bridge the gap between generations, fostering a sense of continuity and shared passion for the beautiful game.
Chitomborwizi Events representative, Tawanda Pilime said, “By mixing the old and the new, we aimed to create a unique and inspiring experience that would bridge the gap between generations and foster a sense of community and shared passion for the beautiful game.”
As the legends and youngsters mingled, it was clear that the event had achieved its objective to inspire, motivate, and nurture the next generation of Zimbabwean footballers.
