The echoes of the past mingle with the hopeful shouts of the future on the football pitch as former first lady Grace Mugabe and her daughter Bona Mugabe rally behind their young boy, Simbanashe Chikore, in his burgeoning football career. Simbanashe, the eight-year-old son of Bona Mugabe and Simba Chikore, is displaying a passion for the beautiful game that has captured the attention of Harare giants CAPS United, and the unwavering support of his family.
The recent football tournament held at St Michael’s Primary School in Harare saw the former First Lady, Grace Mugabe, in attendance, lending her support to her grandson. This was a clear indication of the family’s commitment to Simbanashe’s football aspirations. The tournament was a resounding success for the CAPS United Academy, with their under-9 team emerging victorious. Bona Mugabe, Simbanashe’s mother, was also present, watching her son with pride as he showcased his skills on the pitch.
CAPS United legend and marketing executive, Alois Bunjira, took to social media to express his appreciation for the support shown by the “former first family to their boys.” “It was really nice having the former first family coming through to the football tournament, to support their boys as the CAPS United Green Blood Academy won the Under 9 shield, at the St Michael’s Primary School tournament,” Bunjira shared.
Simbanashe’s passion for football is not a recent development. Back in May, he was part of the CAPS United junior team that played a curtain raiser match before the senior team’s clash against city rivals Dynamos in the Harare Derby at Rufaro Stadium. This early exposure to the intensity of the game, coupled with the support of his family, suggests a bright future for the young footballer.
The return of CAPS United legend Alois Bunjira to the club as head of the marketing department has injected a renewed sense of optimism and ambition into the team. Bunjira, a familiar face to the Green Machine faithful, replaces Raymond Gonte, who left the club in August last year.
Adding to the sense of resurgence at the Harare Giants is the return of Hardlife Zvirekwi, who rejoined his former club as a coach for the junior team two months ago. Zvirekwi, a former fullback who was part of the Makepekepe squad that won the 2016 Castle Lager Premiership and later became their captain, retired from playing football at the start of last year following his release from Simba Bhora. He has now transitioned into coaching, bringing his wealth of experience to the next generation of Green Machine players.
The presence of the Mugabe family at the recent tournament, coupled with the return of club legends Bunjira and Zvirekwi, signifies a renewed focus on youth development at CAPS United. The club is clearly investing in the future, nurturing young talent like Simbanashe Chikore and providing them with the guidance and support they need to reach their full potential.
