BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA
During the Covid-19 lockdown, a lot of mental health cases were left unchecked, as the effects of being idle had its toll on many people, especially the youths.
Unfortunately some youths found comfort in drug and substance abuse, leading to various tales and to avoid such risks, a football team was established in Budiriro.
In an interview with this reporter, Bunders FC Secretary General Isaac Tapfumaneyi, revealed that the team was established in the Covid lockdown period in March 2020 by Mr Kujinga.
“The name of the team was inspired by the Bundesliga and our objectives when we started were plenty but the main ones were to alleviate the risk of drug and substance abuse, to empower young talented boys to excel.
“So basically Bunders FC becomes a springboard for these guys as it gives them a platform to showcase their talents.
“And also to give entertainment to the community when playing friendly matches, to improve the basic healthy lifestyles of young people through sport and to foster a spirit of team work and sportsmanship in the young guys,” said Tapfumaneyi, popularly known as Gwaze.
Gwaze further revealed that on the course of their journey, their aim was to at least have players playing in the various soccer divisions in the country, a fete the have managed to achieve.
“The journey has been not been an easy one especially from the beginning.
“However the establishment of an Area Zone in Budiriro has helped us to reach our goals. If I can single out some of our guys are playing in Division 1 and 2.
“We also have the talented Chris Mukambira who was part of the boys when we started, is now playing for Bikita Minerals.
“The impact and influence has been huge and even if you come to any one of our matches, you will notice how Bunders has become a darling of the community as people spare their precious time to come and witness our boys playing.
“It is not only about soccer but we have mentored some of the boys to be business professionals as well.
“We have guys in the engineering field and some entrepreneurs as well,” added Gwaze.
He added that this is no longer a project, but has since become culture or religion.
“We have left a template that when other people come, there will continue with our way of style.
“We have won many accolades in our area zone and we are the team to beat.
“And like everyone else, we do face challenges financially, we are on a shoe string budget that is financed by the executives and some players who are working.
“The team also faces the risk of sprouting social soccer leagues and boozers who lure our players to play for them in return of small tokens.
“Be that as it may, we have managed to survive over the years and I owe the success hugely to passion of seeing the team going,” he added.
Meanwhile Bunders FC which is top of the log, will be playing Wonderers FC in Budiriro.
