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David Mandigora

Albert Marufu in LONDON, England
FORMER CAPS United kingpin Joe “Kode” Mugabe has urged ex-footballers and the Zimbabwean community in the United Kingdom to come and support the David “Yogi” Mandigora fundraising match set for today in Birmingham. The fundraising match, being organised by ex-footballers to raise funds for the 1980 Soccer Star of the Year and Dynamos great Mandigora, who recently had his leg amputated in Harare, will be played at Birmingham’s Tipton Sports Academy.

Last week, Mugabe, with the help of former Black Aces defender Charles “Star Black” Kaseke and Dynamos legend Memory Mucherahowa, mobilised ex-footballers and other members of the Zimbabwean community in England to contribute towards the funeral of former Warriors and CAPS United great Friday Phiri who passed away in Harare last Friday. “We are appealing for everyone to come and support this cause to help our elder brother David Mandigora. We are a family and should help each other in times of need.

‘‘We are hoping to get donations from former players as well and I am happy with the response from former players and other members of the Zimbabwean community when we were raising funds to contribute towards the funeral of our brother (the late) Friday Phiri,” Mugabe said. Mugabe’s sentiments were echoed by former Chapungu, Dynamos, Warriors and 2001 Soccer Star of the Year Maxwell “MaRhino” Dube who described the idea as noble.

“It is unfortunate that people do not seem to appreciate the role that former players played. This is a good idea because we are trying to help our brothers. ‘A lot of people know Mandigora and it will be good for them to come and donate funds towards this worthy cause,” he said. Kaseke, who was known as “Star Black” during his heydays, said they are ready for the match and is looking forward to a successful day.

“I have been talking to a number of former players and supporters who understand the need to help others. This does not mean we have the money, but it is because we understand the situation back home. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us. I am not on Facebook, but have heard that some people have been writing negative things about these gestures. This is unfortunate because this money is coming from our pockets. We also have our families to look after. We have limited resources and rely on donations,” Kaseke said.

Mucherahowa, who will also be launching his autobiography – Soul of Seven Million Dreams – in Slough, London tomorrow, said it is high time former players start looking after their own. “If we cannot help each other as ex-footballers, no one will. We hope to have a bigger attendance and we also accept donations from those who might have challenges in attending the match. The idea is to support each other.

“I have heard a number of people saying that former players should have invested their money during their playing days. How much were they being paid? Most of us lived from hand to mouth. I played at Dynamos for close to two decades and never got any signing on fee. We should never make the mistake of comparing Zimbabwean football to the English league,” Mucherahohwa said.

Meanwhile, UK-based CAPS United Legends will hold this year’s edition of the CAPS United Legends Dinner and Dance Soccer Night on December 9 at Iqbal’s Banqueting Suite in Birmingham. CAPS United president Farai Jere, who has established a good link with these legends, is expected to grace the event. Mugabe said proceeds from the event will go towards the development of junior football in Zimbabwe.