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Ray Bande Mutare Bureau
MUTARE-born midfielder Blessing Gumiso, who starred for Highlanders, is now devoting his time to scouting talent for the Bulawayo giants as well as other teams in the country’s Southern Region and South Africa.

Gumiso turned out for the now defunct Mutare Division Two sides Gluelam, under coaches Patrick Semba and Tonderai Alfasi, as well as Border Timbers before going straight to play in the country’s top-flight league.

Gumiso, who was in Mutare this weekend for the Johnson Mbaradza Memorial Under-17 Tournament, joined fellow yesteryear stars such as Emmanuel Maluwa, Kennedy Suwari, Peter Masibera, Nyarai Masunda, Dananai Chinowawa and Arnold Tsunga.

Gumiso said he is happy with his current occupation although he has plans to move to South Africa soon to pursue a similar career.

“I am currently based in Bulawayo although I often make frequent visits to South Africa. Scouting talent both in urban and rural areas is what I am doing at the moment.

“I am scouting for Highlanders, especially for their developmental side Bosso ‘90. I also do the same for other teams in the region such as How Mine, ZRP Bulawayo and academies.

“I am facilitating moves for soccer players to Premiership teams and Lower leagues, looking at focusing on mostly Mutare boys. I am playing the role of a facilitator as well as managing some players.

“Doing that job has helped me realise how much talent we have as a country. We have a lot of talented players who often end up not pursuing their career for different reason,” he said.

Gumiso rose from Tanganda juniors and played for Division Two clubs while still at school before he joined Mutare United in the Premiership just after Tanganda Tea Company withdrew its sponsorship for the now defunct Tanganda FC.

At Mutare United, Gumiso played alongside the likes of Dananai Chimowawa and Nyarai Masunda.

When Mutare United franchise was eventually sold to Gweru United, Gumiso went to play for Gweru United but it was not long before the team was relegated and he joined Bosso in 1998 season, a club he played for until 2002.

He won four league titles and 16 Cup competitions with Bosso apart from having a dance in the CAF Champions League.

“I think Highlanders really helped me to establish myself as a talented player. I will forever cherish the league titles as well as Cup competitions that I won with Highlanders.

“Even the Champions League experience playing against teams from Cameroon, Egypt, Angola among others was great,” he said.

He hung his boots after the 2008 season at Mwana Africa.

Born in a family of seven, Gumiso, who grew up in Sakubva’s Old Location, is now a father of two, Nina and Owami, and married to Patience Chimoyo who hails from Dangamvura in Mutare. He says he owes his success in football to the likes of the late Ian Matondo.