It was a morning of pure, unfiltered joy at State House yesterday as a group of Zimbabwe’s top sports stars received an unforgettable “thank you” from President Mnangagwa for their incredible achievements.
The air was
electric with pride and gratitude as the President personally handed over
brand-new vehicles to national heroes who have made the country beam with
pride.
For Herentals
Queens captain Tabeth Mutinhiri, the moment was overwhelmingly emotional.
Just over a
year ago, a devastating ankle injury threatened to end her football career.
Yet, through
resilience and support, she not only returned to the pitch but led her team to
a historic fourth consecutive Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League title.
Sitting in the
driver’s seat of her new Ford Ranger, Mutinhiri was moved to tears.
“This is simply
unbelievable,” she said, her voice full of emotion.
“I never
imagined this. This reward isn’t just for me — it’s for the female game and for
everyone who believed in me.”
The 29-year-old made a remarkable recovery from a nasty ankle injury suffered during a training session at the National Sports Stadium B Arena early last year, which not only threatened to end her career but also her dream of playing in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
For months, she
was convinced her professional career was as good as over but her club pulled
all the stops to ensure she was back on her feet.
She bounced
back at the beginning of the season and led Herentals Queens to a record fourth
Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League championship on the bounce.
She was not
alone in her celebration.
Dynamos captain
Emmanuel Jalai, still buzzing from leading his team to a record third Chibuku
Super Cup victory, was all smiles.
“It’s always
good to have a President who recognises sport,” he beamed, his disappointment
from missing out on a Soccer Star of the Year award earlier on Friday night
completely forgotten.
“This gesture
makes football such a beautiful sport . . . It’s always good to have a
President who recognises sport; that is why we are enjoying the game, in
Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Chisumbanje and anywhere else across the country.
“The gesture by
President Mnangagwa is a big one. It makes football such a beautiful sport. I
am at a loss for words. May the Almighty God bless President Mnangagwa
abundantly. A huge shoutout to my teammates and every part that makes the
Dynamos family, especially the fans.”
Jalai led
Dynamos to the Chibuku Super Cup triumph after a 1-0 win in the final against
Triangle at Gibbo Stadium.
Accompanying
Jalai was the club’s board chairperson Benard Marriot Lusengo, among some
members of the executive, including marketing manager David Chikomo.
Also honoured
was Sikandar Raza, the inspirational captain of the Chevrons cricket team, who
helped secure Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Though he could
not attend in person, his reward awaits him, a testament to his leadership on
the global stage.
The gesture
follows last week’s surprise for Walter Musona, captain of the sensational
debutants Scottland, who also received a vehicle for steering his team to a
podium finish in their first Premier Soccer League season. Sunday Mail
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