Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Trust Khosa
19 January 2008
Harare — IMAGINE a local musicians First XI -- Hosiah Chipanga in goal, First Farai in defence, Oliver Mtukudzi in midfield and Alick Macheso in attack?
What about a wing back combination that features Nicholas Zakaria and Sulumani Chimbetu or watching Allan Chimbetu in central defence?
Spice it all with Amai Red Rose -- Barbra Chikosi -- barking instructions from the bench as the coach of this team?
What about the prospects of sending in substitutes Kireni Zulu and Somandla Ndebele when the going gets tough hoping that they will wave their magic to turn things around?
Now what chances does such a Dream Team have to beat a Journalists XI from both the electronic and print media?
Well, the answer will be provided today at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield here in the capital when the two sides clash in an exhibition match pregnant with a number of sub-plots.
Chipaz Music Promotions -- under the directorship of Partson Chimboza -- are hosting the event.
This unique football show is part of Chimbodza's efforts to cement the relationship between musicians and journalists.
Chimbodza says the majority of musicians have confirmed their availability.
"We felt musicians needed the time to mix regularly and iron out their differences, if there are any, since they belong to one family.
"We also came up with this idea with a view to ensuring that our artistes get a platform to exchange notes in a relaxed atmosphere," he said.
Chimbodza was upbeat that the event would live up to expectations.
It is the musicians' line-up that is set to raise the appeal of the show.
city.com is reliably informed that the towering Chipanga will be guarding the goal posts while Zakaria and Sulumani Chimbetu will operate as right and left backs.
Tongai Moyo and Allan Chimbetu had been earmarked to provide cover as central defenders but the former might not be available for this encounter as he is still recovering from the effects of the monthly chemotherapy to cure the Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, type of cancer, he is suffering from.
Tongai was diagnosed with the disease in November last year and he undergoes chemotherapy after every 28 days.
Baba Manyeruke will be given a free role in the midfield that will also feature First Farai and superstar Mtukudzi as wingers with the bustling Chris Musabayana playing just behind the strikers.
Sungura ace Macheso and Progress Chipfumo are the two twin strikers expected to bang goals for the musicians' team.
Ndebele, Zulu and Chimbodza will come in as substitutes.
Frontran Promotions boss Notice Chigome will also grace the occasion and is likely to feature as a substitute.
Chikosi will coach the musicians' team.
She was confident her team would shock journalists as the artistes' team was well psyched up for the game.
"It's going to be fireworks and we are looking for nothing short of victory.
"I have faith in my team and how they will upstage other teams," said the coach.
She added: "I would also want to thank those behind the tournament as it gives musicians the right platform to meet. As you know, the boys (musicians) rarely interact and the tournament will go a long in building good relationships among artistes."
Mujoza Boozers Club will also take part in the tournament.
Musicians probable line-up
Hosiah Chipanga; Nicholas Zakaria; Sulumani Chimbetu; Allan Chimbetu; Jonas Kasamba; Machanic Manyeruke; First Farai; Chris Musabayana; Alick Macheso; Oliver Mtukudzi; Progress Chipfumo
Coach: Babra Chikosi
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