Soccer legends cry foul as council sells popular g...

Soccer legends cry foul as council sells popular grounds

Philemon Jambaya

Chitungwiza football legends have described the idea by Chitungwiza council to dispose Zengeza 5 Grounds as “sad”.

The council recently flighted a notice that it will be disposing of the ground in fulfillment of the deed of settlement in the matter between the Unified Council Pension Fund and Chitungwiza Municipality HC10137/19.

Speaking to Zim Now Sports, former Darryn T and CAPS United forward Alois Bunjira said the Chitungwiza council is not being fair.

“The situation is sad, when we were growing up, the council used to sponsor area zone football and area zone was being played at these grounds.

“We only have two grounds left in Chitungwiza, Zengeza 5 Ground and Ground B in St Mary’s and the council is on the verge of disposing of the grounds. Remember these grounds do not only serve the soccer fraternity but every kid in the community.

“It is unfortunate that some stakeholders are calling for the reviving of junior football but how can it be possible when the recreational facilities are being turned into residential stands,” Bunjira said.

One of Chitungwiza Legends Coordinators and Craneborne Bullets Assistant Coach, Ernest Jamu said the council should revise its decision and protect the game of football.

“The system of selling recreational facilities is now high in our suburb for example the Chemhanza Ground, which groomed the likes of Alois Godzi, Murisa, the Kawondera brothers pakaiswa dzimba we go to Chigovanyika the same as Zengeza 3 Ground.

“Bhora rinotopinda muyard, what if the owner is not there. Zengeza 4 no longer has a ground. The only ground left is at Zengeza 2 and Ground B, we can’t all play there.

“Every Sunday morning, we play at Zengeza 5 Ground. Current players and legends like Moreblessing Watchi, Shutto, Muneri and current ones such as Ronald Pfumbidzai, Chamboko, Lee Murape, Charakupa and many more legends.

“David Zulu trains his academy there also. They want our kids and youngsters to engage in mutoriro and many other illicit drugs they don’t care about future, what they want is money as councillors,” fumed Coach Nyoso, as he is affectionately known in Chitungwiza.

1996 Soccer Star of the Year, Stewart Murisa, who was groomed in the grassroots of Chitungwiza said it is so unfortunate.

“The council move is so unfortunate, it is high time we prioritise our recreational facilities, Zengeza 5 Grounds is a grooming space for young players under the tutelage of coach, Zulu. I think as football legends, we will take a legal route to stop this,” Murisa fumed.