Chakoroma lives his dream

By Ray Bande

MUTARE – Buffaloes and Young Warriors centre back Liberty Chakoroma has finally secured his long-cherished dream of crossing the mighty Limpopo to join ABSA Premiership outfit, Free State Stars, thanks to tireless efforts of his manager James Lunga Meya.

In an interview from his South African base this week, Meya, who is popularly known as Hwetu in soccer circles in Mutare, confirmed the development.

The young businessman, whose entrepreneurial skills saw him establish security and construction companies south of the Limpopo, thanked the Mutare army outfit for their cooperation in letting the youngster move on with his career.

“Finally, all has been sorted out. Liberty Chakoroma is now with his new team — Free State Stars. He has been part of their pre-season training sessions and he is now adapting well to the new situation here in South Africa.

“I really want to thank the Buffaloes management for their cooperation. It is common that whenever people engage in business for the first time there could be differences and challenges, but the good thing is that we finally found common ground,” he said.

Free State Stars FC was formed in 1977 and gained promotion into the top-flight league in 1986. The club, which finished on the ninth position on the ABSA log standings, uses Grand Globle Park as their home ground.

Some of the notable players who have once featured for the club include Zambian international and Mamelodi Sundowns goalie Kennedy Mweene and Kaizer Chiefs’ linkman Siphiwe Tshabalala.

Hwetu confirmed that Chakoroma’s international clearance had been processed and were now waiting for his work permit which is expected any time soon.

“The international clearance is already out and his former team Buffaloes also gave us his clearance without hassles.

“We are now only waiting for his work permit, which is expected any time soon and then he start playing for Free State Stars.

“I am really looking forward to have a long lasting relationship with Buffaloes. I will also do all that I can to support them materially. After all, they are my home team and I would not be happy to hear that they have been relegated,” said Hwetu.

Buffaloes spokesperson, Gladman Chimonyo, also confirmed that Chakoroma has moved.
“We decided to let him move on with his career. He is a talented player who served us with utmost dedication and we really wish him well in future. We hope that he will be a good ambassador for Buffaloes and open avenues for more youngsters here in Mutare,” said Chimonyo.

Chakoroma started his football career at Timothy “Sicho” Masachi’s La Sakubva at the age of eight. He continued with his career and has been part of Manicaland team in the National Youth Games as well as other inter-provincial soccer competitions.

It was his fine form which took him to the National Under-20 and later Under-23 teams.
Recently he made his maiden appearance in the national team which played against Comoros in the CHAN Games. Manica Post