Of Christmas and sportspersons
“It’s a record I cherish a lot,” Chafa says. Chafa has 13 years of experience in the top-flight and is a role model to some upcoming footballers
“It’s all about self-discipline, knowing the right things to do, but most importantly, extra training has kept me going.
“With age catching up, you need your muscles to remain strong.
“But I still want to play up to the age of 35 and I still have the desire to achieve more.
“Yes, I have won a number of league championships but in football, you always want more,” he said.
Chafa also offered some advice for budding footballers.
“Upcoming players have to be disciplined and focused. They should shy away from drugs and dangerous substances.
“You need to be professional in what you do. Whether it’s eating, drinking and sleeping.
“This is the festive season and people will be eating and drinking all sorts of stuff, so it’s up to the players to remain professional and know what to eat and what not to eat.”
On the contrary, there is no time to rest for some of Zimbabwe’s foreign legion as there are games in the DSTV Premiership; English Premier League; and in Malawi, where Kalisto Pasuwa’s Nyasa Big Bullets are involved in the Castel Cup.
Marvelous Nakamba’s Luton Town had an assignment against Newcastle yesterday and will face Sheffield United on Boxing Day. However, Marshall Munetsi and Tino Kadewere can afford a short rest as the French Ligue 1 has no fixtures during the Christmas holiday.
Gumbie remarked: “I would say a lot of things have changed since I last celebrated my 27th birthday and to be honest, this year’s birthday is a bit different. I am going to celebrate my birthday with a little difference because of what the Lord has done for me and my family this year.”
Although he made his debut in professional cricket as an 18-year-old back in 2013 for Eagles, it took him a decade to finally live his dream of donning the red and golden colours of the national team.
Gumbie says that feat gives him every reason to celebrate his birthday this year differently.
He made his international debut for the Chevrons in June against Nepal.
Since then, he has gone on to represent the national team in the One Day Internationals on 10 occasions
“This year is really special to me. Like I said, a lot of things have changed for me career-wise. It has always been my dream since I was a young boy to play for the national team and this is the year that I have finally achieved one of my dreams. ◆