I am not surprised that Madzvinyu FC have found a new midfield wizzard by the name Walter Mukanga. I know many Mukangas who inhabit several villages in Matsai area of Bikita, right next to the great Masukuta Village. Being of the Vaduma clan of the Gono tribe, an offshoot of the broader vaera Moyo dynasty to which I proudly belong, the Mukangas are traditional leaders of the whole area called Mukanga itself with them having control of a sizable swarthe of land under Chief Mabika. It follows that they have got a rich cultural tradition with the elders being spirit mediums. The most famous and most successful medium was simply known as vaSvikiro. His homestead could be clearly seen from the top of the hill on which our own home was perched. It was a typical village home for the more affluent villagers, a big family house, corruggated iron sheets for a roof, several huts and granneries then caattle and goat pens outside the yard. Walter Mukanga, prior to his migration to Harare to join Dynamos, had been resident in the Lowveld cane plantation town of Triangle, at whose football club he claimed fame. This Mr Svikiro, a revered spirit medium, was one on the very pioneer employees at the companys mill. Sources say he started working there during the establiment of the sugar milling factory. There came a time in 1989 when the companys mgt thought he should resign because of his advanced age. He was unhappy with the exit package he was offered, say the village rumor monger, which saw him leaving so bitter. The news of his return to the village was so publicised that the whole community gave him a heroes welcome. Three weeks later, we saw a fleet of Triangle company vehicles line to his homestead, tossing clouds of dust into the air. Mr Svikiro had used his powers and the mill had suddenly shut down on its own. They first thought it was a mechanical failure and brought experts from all over the world but the mill could not run. Then after a long series of failed attempts came an elderly employee of tthe firm and advised management to find Mr Svikiro. He was convinced that the spirit medium was behind the predicament. The whitemen, it is said, laughed their lungs out initially but the mill could not run and they were incurring huge losses. Finally, they agreed to talk to Mr Svikiro.who demanded upfront payment before he could do anything. They were always bound to agree. And so back, they drove him to triangle. On arrival, he simply went inside the mill and demanded to be left alone. After a few minutes, he came out and instructed the operator to switch the mill on. One attempt and the mill was running, as perfectly as possible. Then he came back to settle permanently to the village, satisfied. The great drought of 1992 came and when consulted about that years farming season before the onset of the rainy season in October, it is said he gave an oracle to the effect that there would be abundant rain the following season but he would not live to see the fruits thereof. Sure enough, heavy rains graced the thirsty ground and per his word, early December 1992, Mr Svikiro was dead. I remember as a sign of mourning and respect, we in the villages under his influence went for three weeks without tilling our land, a good 21 days. And the Mukanga sobbings have been great football players. The all conquering Mukanga Primary School team of 1996 was built around two key players. Dennis Mukanga was our midfield maestro. Xavi modelled, his passing was extraordinary, his ability to recover possession was super and he initiated attacks like there was no tomorrow. There was no exposure to this football genius and he faded away undiscovered just like many talented village players. Collen Mukanga, the headmasters son was our target man. Dimunitive and pencil slim, he looked like an ordinary village boy whom.u felt sorry for the first time you learnt he was a football player, let alone a striker. But when he won possession, you could change your attitude and feel sorry for the defenders he tormented. He was so sleekly that he easily ran with the ball through defenders, round the keeper and slot the ball into an empty net. I remember one afternoon when five Primary School in Matsai namely Mukanga, Zindove, Magocha, Gava and Mashoko gathered at Mashoko for inter schools competitions. It was a windy day and the first game ended in a dissapointing 0-0 draw with Mashoko. Next was a tougher opponent Magocha who scored against us early in the game. The coach Zimano was fuming by the touchline and thw Mukanga sobbings took matters into their own hands. The football giant of the region was facing elimination at the lower level. The keeper, Steven passed the ball to Tawanda Mabhunu at right back who passed it to Persistence, a skilled midfielder who passed it to Dennis. Dennis ran with it a little bit threaded a beautiful through ball which Collen ran into and tucked it in between the legs of the keeper for our equaliser.The second goal came fast, a long ball from CB to Chris Mapiko, speedy dribbling, a cross and a Collen header. The game ended 2-1 in our favour and we stormed the pitch celebrating. We had the mommentum and so we returned to our winning wways, beating zindove and Gava 5-0 each. Thank you Collen and Dennis for a lifetime memmory. Now that a Mukanga has come on the scene like an unexpected storm, I dont doubt at all that he is Zimbabwes next best thing in football. God bless this Villager, for with him, our football will never be the same again but for the better!
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 18:03:27 +0000