Motorcade: Symphony of Speed, Soul, and Soccer Spi...

Motorcade: Symphony of Speed, Soul, and Soccer Spirit

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

In the heart of Zimbabwean football beats a rhythm as vibrant and relentless as a roaring motorcade. Joseph Mutawu, affectionately known as "Motorcade," is more than just a name; he’s a force, a conductor of passion, orchestrating a symphony of unity and support for the nation’s beloved game.

From the dusty pitches of Karoi to the bustling stadiums of Zimbabwe, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of football.

Born amidst the rolling landscapes of Karoi, Joseph’s life has been a tapestry woven with threads of resilience and unwavering dedication. Though the shadow of loss fell upon his family, his spirit remained unbroken, fuelled by the camaraderie and joy found within the beautiful game. His moniker, "Motorcade," a playful nod to his love for speed and a fleet of cars, was christened by Simba Chinyani of Sounds of the Motherland.

"Simba gave me the name because I loved speed and had several cars, but it stuck after that trip to Bulawayo. From then on, I was Motorcade," he recalls, a smile illuminating his face, a memory as vivid as the journey itself.

This very energy now propels him as the President of the Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association, a role he embraces with the fervour of a maestro leading an orchestra.

"My role is to provide leadership, maintain good relationships with football stakeholders like ZIFA, PSL, and sponsors, and most importantly, foster unity among our members. We are all Zimbabweans, and football should bring us together." His words are a clarion call, a plea for harmony in a sport often fraught with division.

Under his stewardship, ZNSSA has blossomed into a structured entity, a beacon of support for Zimbabwe's national teams. "We are working towards aligning ourselves with the government structures so that we have national, provincial, district, and ward leadership. This will strengthen our grassroots presence," he explains, painting a vision of a robust, nationwide network.

For a mere US$5, supporters can become members, gaining an official ID and access to exclusive events, travel opportunities, and the chance to be part of something truly special. "For just US$5, you become a member and get an official ID card, and for US$1 monthly, you support the running of the association. But it’s not just about money—our members enjoy exclusive events, travel opportunities with national teams, and get to be part of something bigger than themselves."

His love affair with football began amidst the echoes of "bhora rechikweshe" and the roar of Chikangwe Stadium. "It was inspiring to see our local team arrive in taxis. Back then, boarding a taxi was a luxury, so it made them feel like real stars." The radio commentaries of Evans Mambara further ignited his passion, painting vivid pictures of the game.

"Evans Mambara and his team made you feel like you were inside the stadium. Their passion made me love the game even more."

His allegiances are clear: Caps United FC in Zimbabwe, Kaizer Chiefs regionally, and Arsenal, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid internationally. "Kaizer Chiefs always gave our players a chance, and Arsenal’s style of play is beautiful to watch."

Yet, his dreams extend beyond personal fandom, yearning for Zimbabwean football to soar to the heights of African giants. "We need to take grassroots football seriously—proper record-keeping, age verification, and good infrastructure are crucial," he insists, his voice resonating with conviction. "Football is now a billion-dollar business, and for us to compete, we need corporate governance and investment in modern training methods."

Motorcade envisions supporters as more than mere spectators, but as vital contributors to the sport’s resurgence. "Supporters can be game-changers if given the right support. We need to fill up our stadiums, buy official merchandise, and advocate for better football governance." He champions fundraising, partnerships, and volunteerism, seeing endless possibilities for supporter involvement. "On match days, we can help with ticket sales, security, and hospitality. The list of what supporters can do is endless."

Beyond football, his heart beats for community development, particularly for the youth. "I have invested time and resources in social soccer because I believe sport can save our youth from drugs and crime." His message to young fans is a simple yet profound call to action: "Have passion and focus. Everything else will fall into place. And above all, unity is key. We may support different teams, but we are one Zimbabwe."

The memory of the 4-1 victory over South Africa in 1992 remains etched in his mind, a testament to the power of national pride. "The South African coach talked too much, boasting about his team’s ‘shibobo’ and ‘shoe-shine piano’ football. But in the end, we made him eat humble pie. It was a special day."

Despite the challenges of financial constraints and the lack of FIFA-approved stadiums, Motorcade remains optimistic. "Planning for transport, food, and accommodation is tough. We need sponsors, but corporate support is lacking," he admits, yet his voice is laced with hope.

"For the first time in a long while, we have a ZIFA board willing to work with supporters." He envisions a future where ZNSSA is a formidable force, financially stable and deeply involved in national projects. "I see a very successful ZNSSA, one that will be the envy of many. We will be a force in Zimbabwean football."