By Cuthbert Mashoko
It is with a heavy heart that l pen this one, which l dedicate to the untimely demise of Gorden Mketwa, a fine young man who sadly passed on, on 29 April, from injuries sustained in a road accident along the Beitbridge-Masvingo highway, close to Moria area in Mwenezi.
Here is a young man whom l first rubbed shoulders with during the 2022 Mwenezi District census training at Lundi High. It was during the 10 day long census training session that l mixed and mingled with the young man.
Yes of course, we shared the same profession, being teachers and staying in the same village, Rutenga Growth point but there was more to it.
It is the respect which the young man gave to me since day one which created a bond. Every time, he would refer to me as ” Mukoma Cuthbert” and this later became his trademark greeting every time we met. We would discuss social issues, which never lasted longer before turning to the beautiful game of football.
Many at times, he would remind me about his passion and zeal to officiate soccer at the highest level. I always appreciated his refereeing in the ZIFA Division 2 league, along side fellow teachers Jonathan Mhandu of Marirangwe Primary, Malvin Chimanikire of Lundi High and Adolf Mugova formerly Chitanga as a Match Commissioner, With the quad being teachers in Mwenezi this was something unique and obviously material for publicity.
It is against this background that on one of our conversations Golden challenged me, “Mkoma Cuthbert l appreciate your articles. We are seeing your contribution but when are you going to write about our match officiation ” l was dumb founded,……..as a face saver, l just promised to cover their officiation, which l regrettably failed to honor.
It is this unfulfilled promise which hit me the most when l got the news about the tragic death of Gorden. Yes, life is too short but little did l imagine, it would be this shorter!
Gorden you have left a void difficult to fill in the development of soccer not only in Mwenezi but in Masvingo Province. Your contribution to soccer at the grassroots level as a Coach and referee leaves an indelible mark in the annals of the beautiful game of football in Mwenezi and even beyond. Football in Rutenga will never be the same, your sense of professionalism and your commitment to the game remains unmatched. You left at a time when your services were needed most, our home team will be playing its first home game on 2 May, ironically this is the day you will be laid to rest.
Gorden, the authority you commanded in the middle of the park with your unbiased umpiring raised interest for soccer in Rutenga Growth Point. Soccer will never be the same in Rutenga without you. Your trademark greeting, “Mkoma Cuthbert” will forever linger in my mind!
