Joe Mugabe to develop soccer in Zimbabwe

CAPS UNITED legend Joe “Kode” Mugabe has expressed satisfaction with the support the CAPS United UK Legends received at the second edition of the CAPS United Soccer Night and Dinner Dance held last Saturday night in Birmingham, England.

Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards supporting junior football development in Zimbabwe.

The legends are working in collaboration with Team Zimbabwe UK, a Diaspora Football Community Project that is fronting the development of Zimbabwean football in the UK using the Diaspora Community.

Mugabe, who is the chairman of the CAPS United UK Legends Association, said the event, which is in its second year, continues to grow bigger.

“As CAPS United family we are humbled by the support we received. Most of the players who attended did not even play for CAPS United and that is the unity we want to develop football in Zimbabwe. We had players from teams such as Dynamos, Chapungu and (the now-defunct) Black Aces, among others.

“The whole idea of this initiative is to help in the development of football in our country. This initiative will not only help CAPS United but junior football in Zimbabwe. We are currently reconciling our books to see how much was raised, but we are pleased with the event.

“We also got support from the business community with companies such as Linkpin Ltd, Reliable Parking Management, Leorose Home Improvers, DumbuMustGo, Bhora Africa, Tengai Online and Team Zimbabwe UK,” he said.

Mugabe added that he was also impressed by the attendance of women at the event.

“Women also want to be involved in the development of football in Zimbabwe. They came up with an idea of also raising funds and sourcing equipment for the national women’s soccer team, The Mighty Warriors,” Mugabe said.

Marshal Gore, who was the guest of honour, praised the ex-players for the initiative and urged the Zimbabwean community in the United Kingdom to support the cause in his key note address. Notable former players who attended the event included Raymond Undi, Obey Murefu, Memory Mucherahowa, Bheki Mlotshwa, Maxwell Dube, Charles Kaseke, Brian Badza, Liberty Masunda, Jabulani Nare, Kelvin Mushambi, Timmy Chirozvani and Innocent Mugabe.

Entertainment was provided by veteran disc jockey King Alfred.

Joe Mugabe’s younger brother Innocent, who also played for CAPS United in the 1990s and is currently based here in the UK, is already involved in the development of football in Zimbabwe where he owns an academy - BJM - in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mabvuku.

Innocent’s academy caters for all the age-groups - from the Under-10s to the Under-21s - and he provides them with kit and money for the players transport as well as paying monthly salaries for their coaches. BJM Academy plays in the Harare Junior League.