In an era where many social soccer outfits struggle to stay afloat beyond a few friendly matches, Old Stars Social Soccer Club of Zengeza in Chitungwiza has quietly built a structure that is fast becoming the gold standard for veterans’ football in Zimbabwe.

Established in 2004 as a pastime for former players who once plied their trade in different leagues across the country, Old Stars has grown into a well-organised institution whose impact now stretches beyond the boundaries of Chitungwiza.

This Saturday, February 21, the club will convene its 12th Annual General Meeting at Damview — a milestone moment designed to reflect on the journey so far and map the way forward.

Club president Gilbert Majonga says the AGM is more than a routine gathering.

“Our Annual General Meeting is not just about fulfilling a constitutional requirement,” Majonga said. “It is a time for honest introspection — to look at where we have come from, what we have achieved, and how we can continue improving.

“Organisation is our backbone. Without it, we would just be another social team that fades away after a few seasons.”

Founded on the principle of keeping former footballers active while fostering camaraderie, Old Stars has managed to strike a balance between recreation and professionalism. The club now boasts a membership of about 35 players, with some members travelling from as far as Kadoma, Bromley and Harare to honour fixtures and club commitments.

According to Majonga, that level of dedication speaks volumes about the culture they have built.

“When you have members driving from Kadoma or Bromley just to train or play a social match, it tells you this is no ordinary club,” he said. “We have created a family. Football brought us together, but discipline and unity have kept us together.”

Old Stars’ footprint extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. The club has undertaken several tours to Zambia and South Africa, using sport as a bridge for regional camaraderie and exchange.

Locally, they have travelled extensively — taking their brand of organised social football to Chipinge, Mutare, Kwekwe, Murehwa and other centres.

Majonga believes these tours are central to their identity.

“We are ambassadors of social soccer,” he noted. “When we travel to Zambia or South Africa, we are not just playing matches; we are representing Zimbabwe and demonstrating that social football can be structured, respectable and sustainable.

“The same applies when we go to places like Mutare or Kwekwe. We want people to see that if you organise yourselves properly, social soccer can thrive.”

What sets Old Stars apart, Majonga argues, is governance and planning — areas often neglected in social setups.

“Many teams fail because they don’t have clear structures,” he said. “At Old Stars, we have a constitution, we hold regular meetings, we account for our finances, and we plan our calendar well in advance. That is why we are still standing 12 years later. Organisation is not optional — it is everything.”

As they prepare for Saturday’s AGM at Damview, the club leadership is expected to review past achievements while crafting strategies to strengthen membership, enhance welfare for players and expand their footprint both locally and regionally.

Majonga is clear about the broader vision:

“Our story can help change the face of social soccer in Zimbabwe. We want to inspire other former players to come together in an organised way. Social football should not just be about kicking a ball on weekends. It should promote health, brotherhood, networking and even community development.”

Twelve years on, Old Stars Social Soccer Club stands as proof that with structure, discipline and shared purpose, social soccer can evolve into something far greater than a pastime — it can become a movement.