"I bought my first house at just 21!"

Dembare TV - Name: Japhet Mparutsa D.O.B: August 8 1963... | Facebook

Japhet “Short Cat” Mparutsa

I bought my first house in the Bluff Hill suburb of Harare at the age of 21!

Some might be wondering how I managed to do that at an age when many young men of my age were still living with their parents.

Well, when I joined Black Rhinos, Mudhara (Solomon) Mujuru always advised us to invest in properties.

"Tengai dzimba vapfanha musazotinetse mangwana!" he used to say.

I paid heed. Those days it was very easy to get a "bond " which many people all over the world know as a mortgage.

But I needed someone to guide me through the process. I have to thank Mudhara Robson Rundaba who worked for Zifa but was also employed by an Estate agent.

When I went for my first viewing of the house,the white owner thought there was a mistake. He could not believe that one so young wanted to buy his house.

Mudhara Robson Rundaba assured him that all was fine and he was happy to give the go ahead. I secured my "bond " mortgage with CABS building Society .

I paid a deposit of $ 5.000 but now needed transfer fees to complete the sale.

When God wants to bless you, he can turn your mistake into a blessing.

The same week, I was select as part of a Harare Select to play State House Tornadoes , a team owned by President Canaan Banana. This match was for the official opening of the State House Stadium.

Oh yes,there is a stadium at State House, this is where the President owned team used to play.

I arrived late at State House. All the honourable guests were there including the President.

Embarrassed to see me arriving late when the match was just about to start,Mudhara Job Kadengu ,the Zifa Chairman called me by the side.

"Mupwere !", he said in his deep Manyika accent.He used the term "mupwere " all the time, "Why are you late...?"

I explained to him, "Mudhara,I have just bought a house and I was running around to get some transfer fees!"

He looked at me , he was obviously impressed by my effort to buy a house.

"Ndiwo Musoro Ka uyu,!" he said. "How much do you need ?"

The fee was $2.500 .

"Come to the office on Monday !" said Mudhara Kadengu.

We played the match, won ,celebrated and went home.

Monday morning ,7:30 I was at Zifa House. I couldn't be late this time. Mudhara Job arrived at 8.00, took me to the office and signed a cheque for $2.500.

It was a not a loan and I immediately went to CABS Building Society to complete the transfer!

I was proud of myself, at 21, i had my own place.

I will be forever grateful to Madhara Robson Rundaba and Job Kadengu. They saw my determination and they helped me to achieve my dream.

It is also good to have positive relationships with elders and be prepared to listen. I always listened especially to those elders who had seen it all in life.

My respect always!

In 2008 I paid off the bond ( mortgage) and secured my title deeds!

Cherished memories!

Enjoy the FA Cup Final...may the best team win!!

Be blessed!!