Football legends beat musicians in charity match
By Chipo Sabeta
Thousands of people thronged Rufaro Stadium over the weekend for the charity match which pitted soccer legends against musicians. It was indeed a successful event as the challenge match attracted some of the country’s well-heeled.
Miss Tourism Zimbabwe Samantha Tshuma and veteran soccer commentator Charles Mabika were some of the big names that added colour at the event. The football fiesta opened with a clash between the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) soccer side against journalists from the print media.
The match ended 4-0 in favour of ZBC. ZBC Sports Reporter Ian Zvoma was outstanding while The Sunday Mail Deputy Sports Editor Makomborero Mutimukulu was voted man of the match despite being on the losing side.
Big spending Division One side, Highfield United, edged former Premiership champions Gunners 1-0 in a friendly played at the same venue. Legendary Peter Ndlovu made his debut for Highfield in the friendly. The third match of the day was between Premiership giants Dynamos and Motor Action.
DeMbare won the match 2-1 courtesy of two goals from new signing Roderick Mutuma. But it should be mentioned that it was the soccer legends/ musicians match that produced thrills set to remain etched in the minds of many in attendance. Sungura giant Tongai Moyo was at the stadium and was part of the musicians’ technical department, which also included dub-poet Albert Nyathi.
The musicians’ first eleven team included Pastor Charles Charamba, Josphat Hozheri, Partson Chimboza, Suluman Chimbetu, Victor Kunonga, King Shady, First Farai, Sibanda Ndebele, Nicholas Zakaria, Oliver Mtukudzi, Progress Chipfumo and Bob Nyabinde.
Andy Brown, Hosiah Chipanga, Dino Mudondo and Allan Chimbetu came in as substitutes. The match ended 6-3 in favour of soccer legends. Hozheri, First Farai and super-sub Tambaoga scored for the musicians’ side. Actor and 2010 Big Brother Africa housemate Munya “Diamond Boy” Chidzonga also played for the musicians’ side when he came in as a substitute in the second half.
Victor Kunonga was voted man of the match and walked away with US$150 and a trophy. Alick Macheso and members of his Orchestra Mberikwazvo snubbed the charity match and chose to perform at a family show at Extra Mile Leisure Spot.
The soccer legends’ side was made up of the likes of John Phiri, Maronga Nyangela, Stix Mutizwa, Charlie Jones, Moses Chunga, Masimba Dinyero, Norman Mapeza, Misheck Chidzambwa, Brenna Msiska, Carlos Max and Elvis Chiweshe.
Event organiser Partson Chimboza hailed fans for their support. “I would like to thank all the fans who thronged the stadium for making this event a success. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to the soccer legends and musicians who left their busy schedules to commit this time for charity,” he said. H Metro
