Kiss of life for Flamengo FC

FORMER Premiership side Tanganda FC shot-stopper Waxington Mutukwa has teamed up with his childhood friends to revive the once dominant force of junior football in Mutare — Flamengo Football Club.

During its heydays in the 1980s and 90s, the Dangamvura-based football academy, which was under the tutelage of founder and director Lengton Mafungei, produced celebrated players like Kudzanai Kadzirange, Emmanuel Maluwa, Mark Simbi and Taurai Korosiya, who also played in the Premiership.

Mtukwa is working with the likes of Brian Mutikowe and Luckmore Madzima in coaching Flamengo FC’s Under-13s, 15s and 17s teams.

The Flamengo revival journey began in 2013 and has been steadily progressing despite a myriad of challenges, among them failure to secure enough balls and training kits.

Players are sharing the available kits, putting them at risk of contracting Covid-19.

“We do not have enough training materials, among them jerseys and boots. At times the players share the jerseys, putting them at risk of contracting diseases.

“There is a lot of potential in Dangamvura. If properly nurtured, some of these youngsters have a bright future. Soccer should not be a pastime thing for them, it should be taken seriously.

“We also want to see soccer ambassadors coming from Dangamvura, but lack of financial resources is hampering our progress.

“The other challenge is that we cannot participate in major tournaments as we are not affiliated to Mutare Junior League,” said Mtukwa.