Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
26 January 2008
Harare — Fiery bassist Alick Macheso has evolved into an idol judging by the response he got from the crowd that thronged Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield to witness a soccer challenge match between musicians and journalists at the weekend.
Forget that other household names in the music sector were present, it all turned out to be a Macheso affair. That the gifted artiste is not a talented footballer was quite evident, but whenever he got the ball, spectators went into wild cheers showing the "respect" they have for the dude.
The icing on the cake was when Macheso deflected the ball past the goalkeeper for the musicians' goal. "He he-e uya uone Macheso agohwesa," you could hear people saying. Some women as old as 60 thronged the muddy and waterlogged pitch in celebration and it resulted in a 10-minute stoppage as organisers struggled to clear the field for play to resume.
We wonder whether families in Highfield got their meals on time last Saturday given that almost everyone was at the stadium. Even guzzlers, who woke up to the sad news that beer prices had risen astronomically, found solace at Zimbabwe Grounds. Pastor Charles Charamba, who was in goal for the musicians' team, was substituted for letting balls in easily, though Hosiah Chipanga and goatie-bearded Nicholas Zakaria proved that they can do a thing or two with the ball.
Sulumani Chimbetu, Allan Chimbetu and progress Progress Chipfumo showed a lot of vision. Somandla Ndebele and controversial bassist Spencer Khumulani proved to be forceful strikers as did the burly First Farai who, however, occasionally lost balance.
Baba Machanic Manyaruke was probably the most disciplined player on the musicians' side although he fluffed many chances thanks to the guidance of the paunchy lead guitarist Cephas Mashakada who was barking orders from his car. All members of Dzimbabwe Crew need to be punished for arriving late and not in sporting attire.
"Zakaria Zakaria played well. He distributed the ball evenly but James Nyamandi and Kapfupi lost the plot because they were unfit to play," a team official said. It was not a day for the Zimpapers side since they lost dismally.
Their burly coach, Rosenthal Mutakati, was caught on the wrong side of the law for throwing over 15 players into the fray but that could not help matters. Ghetto Blast, as the humorous writer is affectionately called, had the crowds in stitches with his "hey, hey move fast" shouts from the touchline. Trust Khosa and dreadlocked Tatenda Chipungudzanye were substituted for continually disregarding instructions to pass the ball.
Wonder Guchu refused to enter the pitch, disobeying the orders of the coach. Though that was the case, the day belonged to Macheso, who at one time was forced to address the crowd who could not get enough of him.
Surrounded by three bouncers, Macheso took time to greet fans outside Takashinga Cricket Club Sports Bar, the venue of the after party. Critics were quick to say that Macheso was the second artiste to receive such respect from the fans after the late Simon Chimbetu. At one time, he was forced to address the crowds who continuously chanted his name or at least the titles of his latest album Ndezvashe-eh.
The only artiste to receive such an honour was the late Chimbetu who had his car lifted by fans as he made his way into Gwanzura Stadium for the Jenaguru Music Festival.
Superstar Oliver Mtukudzi, was who was expected to guard the goalpost, did not feature at the match as he was reportedly in South Africa. The music ambassador was, however, represented by his manager Sam Mataure. Tongai Moyo, who had initially been tipped to reinforce the musician's' defence, did not feature as he is recovering from the effects of chemotherapy. Tongai was recently diagnosed with cancer.
Pliers Matesu Puraene, the public relations manager for Utakataka Express, drove all the way from Kwekwe on behalf of Tongai, affectionately known as Father Flower. Notice Chigome, the Frontran Promotions boss, was not to be outdone as he delivered numerous crosses only to be squandered by his colleagues up front.
Chigome said his stable had plans to organise similar matches that help to bring people together. But it was Partson "Chipaz" Chimbodza who was the pillar of defence while his ball distribution and composure proved that he has the potential to be a good professional player. "It was not about who won what or who lost what, but a get-together soccer gala.
"As a stable, we intend to organise similar matches and we hope people will see more of these friendly matches," said Chimbodza in a post-match interview.
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