Soccer Dreams Reborn: How One Club Gave Hope to Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Talents
By Elizabeth Kucherera
MUTARE, ZIMBABWE – For young men like Paradzai Chibuwe (19), a simple soccer trial felt like a miracle. Chibuwe, from 35 Miles near Mutare, finished his school exams last year. But a harsh reality hit: he couldn’t afford the money needed to collect his results. His dream of further education seemed lost.
“I wrote my final exams… but failed to collect my results due to financial hardship,” Chibuwe shared, his voice mixing frustration with new-found hope. “So I decided to focus on my passion: soccer.” But that path was also blocked. He tried out for other clubs, like Manica Diamond FC, but felt invisible. “My talent was never seen,” he said. “It’s a shock for me that my talent has been seen in just 20 minutes ”
That was a soccer trial held by BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC in Mutare today . For Chibuwe and others, it wasn’t just a trial; it was a lifeline.
Chibuwe was not alone. Edwin Dzanza (18), also from Mutare, knew the sting of rejection. “I went to trials for Manica Diamond FC and I was disappointed,” Dzanza explained. “I wasn’t even given a chance to play and show my talent.” At the BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC trials, everything changed. “Today, they recognized my talent. I am happy,” he said, his face lighting up.
Even for older players like Rasheed Zimunya (32) from Chitora village, hope was reborn. His previous club collapsed due to money problems, and a recent injury threatened his career. Hearing about the BOYS DZAMUDHARA trials, he didn’t hesitate. “I knew I could make it and I came,” Zimunya stated. “I am happy I have been appointed.”
For Nyasha Mango (18) from Gombakomba, the biggest barrier wasn’t talent, but cash. “This is my first trial,” Mango revealed. “I could not afford to pay money for other trials.”
He pointed to a painful truth, some clubs demand bribes just for a chance to try out. BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC offered something different – a free, fair shot. “I managed to show my talent for free,” Mango said gratefully.
“May the club owners continue to recruit more players, especially those failing due to financial problems.”
BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC brought smiles and reignited dreams. Experienced coaches saw the value too.
Peter Masibera, a coach with 20 years’ experience, praised the club’s efforts: “Thank you all for working with our President’s mantra of leaving no one behind. Taking talented players from all areas is a great move for Manicaland.”
Another coach, Simbarashe Mutasa (known as MUTUMWA WEBHORA), emphasized the next step: “Talents are seen… I hope our leaders will mold these talented players so they can go far with their careers and their livelihoods.”
John Kanyikwanaka, the club’s Secretary General, explained their core values: “Our motto is passion, discipline, and unity. Without these three, the club cannot go far.” But their goal extends beyond the pitch. “The main aim for BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC is to fight drugs among youths,” Kanyikwanaka stated.
Registered in Zimbabwe’s Division 2 (D2), the club boasts 41 players aged 17 to 33. For these players, especially those like Chibuwe, Dzanza, Zimunya, and Mango, BOYS DZAMUDHARA FC represents more than just a team. It’s a symbol of opportunity, fairness, and a powerful message: talent and passion deserve a chance, no matter your background or bank balance. Their soccer dreams, once fading, are now back in play.
