NORTON – For every father, seeing your child succeed in your footsteps is one of life’s greatest joys. That pride is even sweeter when it’s clear the legacy lives on through them.
A current example on the global stage is Cristiano Ronaldo, who seems to beam with pride as his son, Junior, follows in his footballing footsteps.
Back home in Zimbabwe, the late veteran football doyen and CAF coach educator, Nelson Matongorere, who passed away on the 24th of this month last year, is no doubt smiling from above.
His son Tyrone, has continued the family’s football legacy in an impressive fashion.
Tyrone is currently playing for log leaders MWOS under the watchful eye of coach Lloyd Mutasa, his father’s student.
Tyrone is already considered one of MWOS’ key and promising players.
Wearing jersey number 8, Tyrone bears a striking resemblance to his father, not just in name, but also in stature.
Just like his father, Tyrone is tall and has long legs.
Lanky and composed, Tyrone came off the bench in MWOS’s resounding 4-0 victory over newcomers Kwekwe United at Ngoni Stadium over the weekend.
To those familiar with Zimbabwean football, the surname “Matongorere” quickly rang a bell.
Some were not sure if the rising star was indeed the late icon’s biological son.
This was evident when veteran sportscaster Charles Mabika asked, “Is that Nelson Matongorere’s son?” with those in the know answering him, “yes”.
On the pitch, Tyrone wasted no time to showcase his talent, making some intelligent touches in midfield.
Tyrone’s type of play, resembles that of former Juventus and Manchester United star Paul Pogba whom he revealed is his favourite midfielder in the world.
Just like Pogba, Tyrone is not the fastest on the pitch, but without doubt, one of the most effective players.
In the closing minutes of the match, Tyrone made his mark by delivering a well-taken corner kick headed home by Tafadzwa George who sealed the victory.
Interestingly, Tyrone’s teammates on the bench erupted in celebration, hugging him.
It was a heartwarming show of support for a player who was making his second appearance in the ongoing 2025 season.
Tyrone’s journey hasn’t been easy.
A knee injury during preseason sidelined him for months.
But his return has thrilled coach Mutasa, who spoke about the youngster with visible emotion.
“The boy is good,” said Mutasa, his voice nearly breaking as he talked about the son of his late mentor.
“You can’t talk about the boy without mentioning Mr. Matongorere. I told him last season that his time would come.
“It was unfortunate he picked up a knee injury during preseason when he was showing great promise. But he’s bounced back stronger, and we’re easing him in so he can regain full fitness and form.”
As the season progresses, eyes are likely set to be on Tyrone, not because of his surname, but because of the talent and promise he brings to the game.
And surely, somewhere above, Nelson Matongorere is watching with pride.
Meanwhile, Tyrone wishes his father who was always very supportive, was still alive to watch him play at the top level.
“My father was very supportive. He’s the one who bought me football boots and all the gear I needed to play.
“Just last year, he bought me two pairs that I used during the 2024 season when we were still in Division One. Unfortunately, he didn’t live long enough to see me play in the PSL,” said Tyrone.
A product of BN Academy, Tyrone turns 24 on August 4.
He was one of four BN Academy players including Ellson Mweha, Nigel Mutsonziwa and Mathew Chukwuma who went for trials in Germany at VfB Lübeck under the GeBe Foundation in 2019.
After his time at BN Academy, the 23-year-old joined Harare City Cubs, where he played until 2020 before moving to MWOS in 2021.
