Ex-Dembare captain neglects daughter

Former Dynamos and Warriors captain Ocean Mushure has been accused of neglecting his 12-year-old daughter, who has reportedly dropped out of school due to lack of financial support over the past two years.

The child's mother, Noreen Sixpense, alleges that Mushure, despite being ordered to pay US$150 in monthly maintenance, has not paid anything in the past 36 months, accumulating arrears of US$5,400. As a result, the child, who is currently staying with her grandmother in Zimbabwe, has not been attending school regularly.

Noreen said she and Mushure were in a relationship while he was still married, and their daughter was born during that time. When Mushure secured a move to the Zambian Premier League-playing for Lusaka Dynamos and later Kabwe Warriors-he reportedly took Noreen and the child to Zambia and rented a separate house for them.

However, after Mushure's contracts ended and he returned to Zimbabwe, the relationship broke down, and support for the child ceased.

"He has been dodging me for the past three years and each time I manage to contact him, he makes empty promises," said Noreen. "My daughter has been out of school because I can't afford to pay her fees on my own, and Ocean hasn't contributed anything."

Now doing menial jobs in Zambia to survive, Noreen sent her daughter back to Zimbabwe to live with her own mother. But the child's education continues to suffer due to the lack of financial support.

"My child is now failing to blend in with other school-going kids. Ocean is being cruel to this child and continues to lie to us," she said.

Relative Speaks Out

Shanice Nyahoda, a relative helping care for the child, said Mushure has repeatedly promised to assist but never follows through.

"Ocean is a liar. I have taken over the child's guardianship, but he hasn't helped. I can only offer her food and a place to stay, but I can't pay her school fees on my own," Shanice said.

She added that the girl is bright but becoming emotionally affected by the situation. "She knows other children go to school while she stays home. It's painful."

Shanice also revealed that another woman had come forward, also claiming to have a neglected child with the former footballer. The two women are reportedly planning legal action.

"We are just waiting for Noreen to come back so that she can report Ocean to the police," Shanice said. "The law is clear-he must pay maintenance."

Mushure Denies, Then Admits Paternity

When contacted for comment, Mushure initially denied knowing Noreen: "I don't know what you're talking about. Noreen wamuri kutaura handimuzive."

However, he later admitted fathering a child with her. "Ehe, ndine mwana naye, asi zvaari kutaura handizvizive. Akatora mwana about two to three months ago and we haven't made any contact."

Once hailed as one of Zimbabwe's top left-backs, Mushure played for the Warriors in FIFA World Cup qualifiers and at the 2016 CHAN finals. He began his professional career with Monomotapa United in 2009 and captained Dynamos during his prime.

Calls are now mounting for the former footballer to take responsibility for his child's welfare as pressure grows from both the family and the public.