Kicking Dreams Into Reality: Superstrikers Inspire Youths
Image: Africulture
By Kelvin Kutinyo
Gwanda based division two outfit, Super Strikers FC, has emerged as a beacon of hope in the community, leveraging football to transform lives through dedication and passion.
Super Strikers has become a shining example of football’s power to uplift and inspire, leaving an indelible mark in the community as they are committed to go beyond the pitch to address social issues and drive positive change in the community.
In a scenario where football meets family, two brilliant minds of co founders, Fredrick Moyo popularly known as Zhezhingtons and Tatenda “Garacy” Nyoni came up with an idea to bring the community of Gwanda together through sports, an opportunity that has promoted the creation of a drug free environment for youths.
Speaking during an interview, Tatenda “Garacy” Nyoni said the team’s vision is to cement a strong dominance in the province and to create a large fan base just like football teams in other provinces.
“The motivational factor to start Super Strikers was because of my passion to elevate football in our community. In Bulawayo, there is Highlanders and in Harare there is Dynamos. We want to have a football powerhouse in Gwanda, a force to be reckoned with and to bring elevated levels of football to our small mining town.”
“Our team brings players, fans and stakeholders from different backgrounds to support the vision by directly impacting the livelihoods of youths who are being kept occupied, reducing societal problems such as drug and alcohol abuse”, said Nyoni.
Super Strikers football club has been in existence for more than nine years and took part in the amateur league in 2015, later registering in the professional league under the ZIFA Matabeleland South pool A in 2019.
Plans are currently underway to introduce juniors, which will allow the Super Strikers senior team to promote and nurture young and talented players.
Tatenda Nyoni also reflected on the challenges and achievements that the crowd pulling team has encountered along the way.
“The biggest obstacle is finances to run the logistical costs for the team, however the fans and well wishers have been supportive, testament to the team having the largest fanbase in the division two league currently. We are also the champions of the Defence Cup, 2 seasons in a row from the 2023, 2024 season. In 2023 we were also crowned the Independence Champions”.
Former Blanket Mine player and current assistant coach for Arenel Movers, Junior Takavarasha, commended the tremendous effort demonstrated by Super Strikers FC in creating a sustainable environment for youths.
“Super Strikers know football is work and with work you can earn a living so there is employment to cover some expenses. Some players can end up in Europe because of their talents. Most players and supporters who are mainly youths are also being kept away from drugs and peer pressure through the power of football, which also comes in as a form of therapy”, he said.
Using the power of social media platforms, Super Strikers football club disseminate information to its fans mainly on the effects drug abuse, sports development and also sports tourism.
One of the community’s active youths, Chantelle Sandie Moyo from Phakama surbub, highlighted the significance of Super Strikers FC as a positive game changer to the community.
“Football has brought unity and has worked as a tool to draw youths away from drug and substance abuse as it has kept them occupied. A lot of change is being noticed as most youth seem to be involved and welcome the idea watching, and playing soccer”.
“It is important to also note that the youths are gaining exposure and earning something from winning bonuses, more so, the tournaments provide entertainment which brings unity and creates a strong bond”, said Moyo.
Led by the executive committee with fans, the team ventures in community engagements such as clean up campaigns, donating to the marginalized groups and supporting vendors who provide refreshments and snacks during matches.
