FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-At 23, Tinaye Tsimba has already experienced the highs and lows of football, from playing in Zimbabwe’s top-flight league, suffering a career threatening setback, rebuilding his confidence in lower divisions and eventually becoming a continental champion.
The Harare born forward, who is a first year Information Technology student at Mutare Polytechnic, was one of the heroes as team Zimbabwe men’s soccer won gold at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games held in Gaborone, Botswana from June 28 to July 5, 2026.
Tsimba played a key role in Zimbabwe’s success, scoring three goals during the tournament including the opening goal in the group stages and the decisive winner in the final that secured the continental crown.
His journey to the national team was built through consistent performances. Mutare Polytechnic were crowned Tertiary Education Sports Association of Zimbabwe (TESAZ) champions before finishing third at the Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports (ZiTS) Games, where Tsimba’s outstanding displays earned him selection for Team Zimbabwe.
“Winning the CUCSA Games means everything to me. Personally, it is a dream come true, you train hard every day and hope that one day the sacrifice will be worth it and this is that moment,” said Tsimba.
“For the team, it means we proved that Zimbabwean tertiary football is at a high level. We went there representing not just Mutare Polytechnic but the whole country, and to go home as champions is something we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
Tsimba’s football journey has been defined by resilience. He started his professional career with Sheasham FC in 2023 before moving to FC Wangu Mazodze in 2024.
In 2025, he played for FC Hunters before earning a move to former PSL side Bikita Minerals FC during the mid-season period. However, his progress was interrupted after an injury forced him to leave the club.
Rather than giving up, Tsimba continued working towards his comeback, a journey that eventually led him to Mutare Polytechnic and a chance to represent Zimbabwe on the continental stage.
He said his experiences in competitive football helped him remain calm when the pressure was at its highest.
“Playing in a competitive environment week in and week out sharpened my game. I learned about professionalism, handling pressure and what it takes to perform consistently,” he said.
Reflecting on his match winning goal in the CUCSA final, Tsimba described it as the biggest moment of his career.
“Honestly, in that moment everything slowed down. The ball came to me and I just trusted my instincts, all those hours of training took over. When it hit the back of the net I could not even process it at first. Then I heard my teammates screaming and the supporters celebrating. That is the greatest moment of my football career so far.”
Tsimba believes Zimbabwe’s triumph was built on unity and belief.
“We were not just eleven players on the pitch, we were a family. Every player, from the starting eleven to the substitutes, bought into the team’s vision. That belief is what carried us to the title,” he said.
He praised Mutare Polytechnic for supporting his growth both academically and in football.
“The institution supports student athletes and gives us the environment to balance our studies with the game we love. I am proud to represent this institution and I hope this trophy inspires more young players to consider combining education with football,” he said.
With his confidence restored, Tsimba now has his sights set on returning to top-flight football and exploring opportunities beyond Zimbabwe.
“My ambition is to play at the highest level possible. Returning to top flight football in Zimbabwe is definitely on my mind and I also want to explore opportunities beyond our borders if they present themselves,” he said.
For young players facing challenges in their own journeys, Tsimba’s message is simple.
“I am a young man from Harare who went through Mutare Polytechnic and scored the winning goal in a continental university games final. If I can do it, so can you. Trust the process, stay disciplined and never stop believing in yourself.”
From the disappointment of injury to the glory of continental success, Tinaye Tsimba’s story is a reminder that setbacks can become stepping stones to greatness.
