News / National
Coach poisoned over player selection
3 hrs ago | Views
Tongogara United FC head coach, Takaendesa Valentine Mukwashi, is counting himself lucky to be alive after enduring a harrowing episode of persistent vomiting for over 12 hours in what is suspected to be a poisoning incident. The alleged act, believed to have been orchestrated by disgruntled supporters within the Tongogara Refugee Settlement, reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction over team selection decisions.
Mukwashi, who guides the refugee-led team in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One Soccer League, confirmed that he began vomiting around 3am and only received relief more than 12 hours later. He initially sought treatment at the local clinic, but his condition worsened and he was transferred to Chipinge District Hospital. From there, he was moved to Triangle Hospital, where he was discharged on Friday, having spent nearly a week under observation.
"I was vomiting from 3am until 4.30pm on Sunday. I went to the local clinic, and was referred to Chipinge District Hospital, where I was admitted. I was later transferred to Triangle Hospital and discharged last Friday. Thankfully, I am now fit, and will be resuming work this week," Mukwashi said.
Despite his ordeal, Mukwashi vowed not to be shaken by attempts to intimidate him and declared that his approach to team selection would remain strictly merit-based.
"I am fair, and my selections are based on performance. If someone excels during training, they will likely play well on Saturday or Sunday. Even if I am poisoned 40 times - if that is what happened - I will remain fair. No one can dictate what I do; I won't be swayed by external pressures," he said.
Tongogara United FC is a unique club based in the Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge South. It includes players from conflict-ridden countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia, alongside local Zimbabweans from surrounding rural areas. This diverse composition, while celebrated as a model for social integration and community cohesion, has also brought with it challenges, including ethnic and national tensions that sometimes spill into team dynamics.
Allegations of favouritism in team selection have previously surfaced within the club, with some supporters accusing the coaching staff of giving preference to players from certain countries. The club's management, however, has consistently dismissed these claims and reiterated its commitment to merit-based selection.
Commenting on the coach's recovery, Tongogara United FC patron and refugee settlement administrator Johane Mhlanga said Mukwashi's return has lifted spirits within the camp.
"I can confirm that Tongogara United Football Club veteran gaffer, Valentine Takaendesa Mukwashi who was under the cold for a week, is back on duty. The club and its legion of supporters are excited that the coach is back rejuvenated and raring to go," Mhlanga said.
He added that Mukwashi's return was especially timely, with the club preparing for a crucial fixture against Manica Diamonds Under-19 FC in Mutare, followed by another clash against FC Mazodze on June 18.
"These matches are critical for TUFC in our efforts to consolidate our quest for Premier League promotion," Mhlanga said.
Last year, Tongogara United FC made history by becoming the first refugee-based team to qualify for the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One league. Their participation has not only added diversity to the competition but has also highlighted the potential of sports as a tool for fostering unity and resilience in communities affected by displacement.
Meanwhile, the league itself is heating up as MatchDay Seven brings into focus early title contenders. FC Hunters are leading the table with 19 points, trailed closely by Tenax CS FC with 18 points and a game in hand. FC Hunters also boast the best attack in the league, having netted 29 goals and maintaining a +19 goal difference.
Rusitu Tigers and Masvingo United remain unbeaten and have the best defensive records, with zero goals conceded thus far. In contrast, Manica Diamonds Under-19, Chivhu FC, and Great Zimbabwe are struggling to find their footing, with the first two clubs holding the worst defensive records, each having conceded 15 goals.
Tongogara United FC, while dealing with internal and external pressures, remains focused on its promotion push. And for coach Mukwashi, the battle continues—not only on the field but in ensuring fairness and integrity prevail in one of Zimbabwe's most inspiring football stories.
Mukwashi, who guides the refugee-led team in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One Soccer League, confirmed that he began vomiting around 3am and only received relief more than 12 hours later. He initially sought treatment at the local clinic, but his condition worsened and he was transferred to Chipinge District Hospital. From there, he was moved to Triangle Hospital, where he was discharged on Friday, having spent nearly a week under observation.
"I was vomiting from 3am until 4.30pm on Sunday. I went to the local clinic, and was referred to Chipinge District Hospital, where I was admitted. I was later transferred to Triangle Hospital and discharged last Friday. Thankfully, I am now fit, and will be resuming work this week," Mukwashi said.
Despite his ordeal, Mukwashi vowed not to be shaken by attempts to intimidate him and declared that his approach to team selection would remain strictly merit-based.
"I am fair, and my selections are based on performance. If someone excels during training, they will likely play well on Saturday or Sunday. Even if I am poisoned 40 times - if that is what happened - I will remain fair. No one can dictate what I do; I won't be swayed by external pressures," he said.
Tongogara United FC is a unique club based in the Tongogara Refugee Settlement in Chipinge South. It includes players from conflict-ridden countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Somalia, alongside local Zimbabweans from surrounding rural areas. This diverse composition, while celebrated as a model for social integration and community cohesion, has also brought with it challenges, including ethnic and national tensions that sometimes spill into team dynamics.
Allegations of favouritism in team selection have previously surfaced within the club, with some supporters accusing the coaching staff of giving preference to players from certain countries. The club's management, however, has consistently dismissed these claims and reiterated its commitment to merit-based selection.
Commenting on the coach's recovery, Tongogara United FC patron and refugee settlement administrator Johane Mhlanga said Mukwashi's return has lifted spirits within the camp.
"I can confirm that Tongogara United Football Club veteran gaffer, Valentine Takaendesa Mukwashi who was under the cold for a week, is back on duty. The club and its legion of supporters are excited that the coach is back rejuvenated and raring to go," Mhlanga said.
He added that Mukwashi's return was especially timely, with the club preparing for a crucial fixture against Manica Diamonds Under-19 FC in Mutare, followed by another clash against FC Mazodze on June 18.
"These matches are critical for TUFC in our efforts to consolidate our quest for Premier League promotion," Mhlanga said.
Last year, Tongogara United FC made history by becoming the first refugee-based team to qualify for the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Division One league. Their participation has not only added diversity to the competition but has also highlighted the potential of sports as a tool for fostering unity and resilience in communities affected by displacement.
Meanwhile, the league itself is heating up as MatchDay Seven brings into focus early title contenders. FC Hunters are leading the table with 19 points, trailed closely by Tenax CS FC with 18 points and a game in hand. FC Hunters also boast the best attack in the league, having netted 29 goals and maintaining a +19 goal difference.
Rusitu Tigers and Masvingo United remain unbeaten and have the best defensive records, with zero goals conceded thus far. In contrast, Manica Diamonds Under-19, Chivhu FC, and Great Zimbabwe are struggling to find their footing, with the first two clubs holding the worst defensive records, each having conceded 15 goals.
Tongogara United FC, while dealing with internal and external pressures, remains focused on its promotion push. And for coach Mukwashi, the battle continues—not only on the field but in ensuring fairness and integrity prevail in one of Zimbabwe's most inspiring football stories.
Source - Manica Post
