'A new football family is about to be born'

WHEN Zimbabwean football lovers talk of football families, the first names that come to mind are the Ndlovu and the Chidzambwa families.

The Ndlovu family at one point had three players in the famous "Dream Team", Peter, Adam (late) and Madinda.

The three formed a dangerous striking partnership for the Warriors with Peter operating from the left flank, Adam centre, while Madinda came from the right. It was not easy for many defenders dealing with the trio.

As for the Chidzambwa family, the two brothers Sunday, popularly known as Mhofu in football circles and his brother Misheck have also contributed significantly to Zimbabwean football.

Both of them played as defenders in the Warriors set up, with Misheck becoming the first black captain to lift the Cecafa Cup in 1985.

Both sets of families have seen their siblings extending their hands into coaching after retiring from playing and Mhofu became the first coach to guide the Warriors to their maiden appearance at the continental bi-annual tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

There are other football families, these include the Mutenji brothers, Cain and Abel, but they did not raise their bar to the level that the Ndlovu and the Chidzambwa brothers did.

Just like the Ndlovu and the Chidzambwa families, the Musona family is becoming a force to be reckoned with in Zimbabwean football circles.

With the way Warriors striker Knowledge Musona's young brother Walter has played so far in his short stint in the topflight league, a new football family is about to be born.

The pint-sized winger is the main reason why Highlanders are kicking themselves for failing to take advantage of Dynamos and Harare City's slip in Chiredzi and Kadoma respectively, to shoot to the top of the Castle Lager log table, as his equaliser in last Sunday's match denied that Bulawayo giants maximum points.

Walter feels it's just a few months before he joins his brother in the Warriors set up. And to those who have had a chance to watch him play since making his debut in the topflight league with relegation bound Motor Action, will not be surprised.

"I have been working hard to keep myself in shape. I have for a long time admired my brother Knowledge, who has been my inspiration. If he managed to do it, why can't I do it too?" questioned the youthful striker.

"I can imagine one day playing in the same team with Knowledge for our country, with him operating from one angle while I come from the other side of the field like what the Ndlovu brothers used to do. Nothing can stop us from emulating Peter and his brothers."

The former Lord Malvern pupil retraced his brother's footprints as he also came through the ranks of Aces Youth Academy with the main mandate being saving Motor Action's sinking ship from relegation, a feat they have failed to achieve.

"We have to face reality, the team is gone but some of us have to move on. I will hear from my handlers on whether they are going to secure a premiership club for me or if we will continue playing for Mighty Bulls, which I doubt very much."

Musona, who at one point had a stint with Chelsea, also went for trials in South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns, as well as Ajax Cape Town.

The boy did not disappoint but his handlers were not happy when one of the clubs wanted to sign him specifically for their academy.

"I did not disappoint but my handlers felt that it was not proper for me to be signed with one of the team's academy. Everyone feels I am ready for the challenge."
His team manager at Motor Action Johnson Mhungu said the boy was destined for greater heights.

"He has been a revelation to watch. With the assistance of other youngsters, they tried to save the sinking ship, but it was a bit too late. If administered well, he might be a big name in Zimbabwean football in the near future. He just has to remain calm and level headed," Mhungu said.

Born on December 17 1995, in Chegutu, Walter enrolled at Chiedza Primary School in Norton from 2001 to 2008 before proceeding to Lord Malvern School for his secondary education where he completed his O'Level studies last year.