By Patricia Mashiri and Joyce Mukucha
Football is usually looked down upon by many people and regarded as a sport for the poor people. However, this is a different case for Vincent Chatambarara (20) who believed that it was a dream come true for him when he was selected to be part of Hwahwa Footbal Club in Division1.
Chatambarara was born in Mudzi under chief Nyamukoho on 11 January 1998. He did his primary education at Kotwa government school. He did not proceed for secondary education because of financial constraints though it did not bother him much.
“When I failed to proceed to secondary education I was not bothered at all because all I wanted was to play soccer. I started joining youths in play fields nurturing my talent,” Chatambarara said.
The young man was once selected by Moses Chunga at the age of fourteen to represent Zimbabwe in the Under-14 games in Germany though the journey was later cancelled due to financial constraints.
“In 2016 I was taken to Chiredzi by Moses Chunga and trained with other youths but sometimes I could miss training sessions because I had no transport money to go to the training fields. I was later on asked to stop training because I had missed many training sessions.
“I went back home in Mudzi but this did not stop me from loving soccer. Daniel Vheremu a player from FC Platinum took me for trials for almost three weeks but I dropped out because there was corruption and nepotism.
“Rich people paid money for their kids to be selected in the teams and I was left behind because I came from a poor background,”Chatambarara said.
On 22 December 2017, the young player was selected amongst the youths at Magna Mudyiwa tournament sponsored by the Member of Parliament for Mudzi West Constituency who holds the name of the sporting gala.
‘’I was very humbled to be selected amongst other youths at Magna Mudyiwa tournament as I was realising that my dream as a soccer player was coming true.
“I want to thank Honourable Mudyiwa for such a great opportunity she gave us. I was able to showcase my talent and at the same time I think I will survive in the sports industry, “Chatambarara said.
The young player said if he is given the opportunity to go back to school he will use it alongside playing soccer.
The day 13 January 2018, was the happiest day for Vincent as he was selected to be part of Hwahwa Football Club in Division 1. He is looking forward to earn new experiences from the ones who are already in the field.
“I’m looking forward to get new experiences and at the same time showcase my talent to the world. I want to follow the foot prints of my role models Willard Katsande of Dynamos and Knowledge Musona who is currently in Belgium. At International level I’m a great fan of Christiano Ronaldo.
“My message to other young players out there is that they need to persevere, believe in God because he is the one who makes everything possible. I also appeal to well-wishers to go out there especially in rural areas and help young people who have the talent but their dreams are shattered due to lack of exposure and resources,” said Chatambarara.