-vows to join elite league
MILLICENT HUNGWE
It was pomp and fanfare on Saturday night last week at the age old Flamboyant Hotel as Masvingo’s most supported football club unveiled a rejuvenated new executive.
Masvingo United aka Una Una or Busmen has a new executive which has promised to take the club back to where it rightfully belongs, in the Premier Soccer League.
Una Una are currently plying their trade in the Pacific Storm sponsored ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League Division 1.
The new executive was unveiled at a glittering dinner where the who is who of Masvingo in the business sector stampeded to donate towards the welfare of the almost defunct football club which was formed by the late transport mogul Tanda Tavaruva aka Mhunga in 1997.
“This is our year to redeem lost glory and reclaim our status as one of the best club in the country,” said Advocate Phillip Shumba who is spearheading the resuscitation of Una Una.
“In terms of crowd-pulling, Masvingo United ranks as one of the most supported football clubs in the country. Therefore, we want the crowds to come back to Mucheke Stadium and rally behind their beloved football team.
“Football is a business that benefits all stakeholders present ere, the youths who will be pulled out of the streets and away from drug s and substances abuse as they have something meaningful to preoccupy them.”
Patient Dube, the Pacific Storm ZIFA Eastern Region Soccer League representative said “Masvingo United is ranked 100th in Africa, hence it is still recognized in Africa in Division 1, it’s now the duty of the team executive to make it possible for the team to be in the Premier League.”
Mining magnate, Allan Sibanda donated seven balls and $2,000 to the team, Dr Leonard Mukumba of Inter Africa poured in $1,000 and many others chipped in with varying amounts.
Faramatsi Motors chief executive officer, Farai Matsika said, “I will sit down with the committee to discuss sustainable sponsorship that can be continuously that will be there for a long time to come.”
Advocate Shumba unveiled the executive team, which includes Club Patron Minister of State Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, Club President Commissioner Sternley Kondongwe who is also Byword Motors and Jadecon Construction and Engineering proprietor, Vice President Noah Marima, prominent driving school operator and CEO of Junior Holdings, Chairman Godwin Tavaruva the son of Una Una founder the late Mhunga, Vice Chairman Raymond Chiwara a Byword Motors executive, Secretary Simbarashe Mandishona Housing Director Masvingo City Council, Vice Secretary Sunganai Shonai an entrepreneur, and Treasurer Edwin Rafomoyo of Cargon Engineering.
Other members include club spokesperson and lawyer Omen Mafa, City Council Sport Administrator Patrick Zvandikona on Development, Edson Sithole on Security, and Brand Ambassadors SADC DJ David Masomere and forme Mayor Advocate Collen Maboke.
The five committee members are Cornelius Tavaruva son of the late Mhunga, Lawrence Mapara, Garikai Garande businessman who runs Caravan Park, Benson Hwata Ward 2 Masvingo city Councillor, and Lawyer Tafadzwa Mbwachena.
Isaac Chapura is the Diaspora Representative, Tichaona Machawira handles Social Media, George Charumbira is the Team Manager, Tonganai Mugeji is the Head Coach, Reason Mugori is the Assistant Coach, Godfrey Mai Mahofa Dondo is also in the technical department, Aaron is the Goalkeeper’s Coach, Takendesa Mavesere is the Kit Manager, and Mashoko Nyanga is the Medic.
Although the unveiled executive team lacks female representation, Advocate Shumba announced that the team is open to new members to join them.
