Former Sundowns star Mushekwi extends helping hand in Zimbabwe

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Nyasha Mushekwi has partnered with China-based clothing company, Trust The Process [TTP] in sponsoring an Under 18 football tournament in Zimbabwe, it has emerged.

The tournament started on Thursday in Dangamvura, Mutare, with 14 teams expected to participate. 

Mushekwi is said to have injected an undisclosed sum of money to ensure the tournament’s success, which is in its second edition.

Kudzanai Mbondo of TTP clothing said the aim is to unearth talent from the marginalised communities in Zimbabwe’s Eastern region.

THE AIM OF THE TOURNAMENT EXPLAINED

“We are excited to announce the return of the TTP Under-18 tournament, which will be held on Unity Day (December 22) in the Dangamvura suburb,” Mbondo said, as quoted by The Manica Post.

“This is something that we do to promote local talent, and hopefully, scouts may also take advantage of the event to identify raw talent. 

“The tournament is set to become something to look forward to every year as we grow in leaps and bounds.”

Last time out, Elite Academy were the champions, with PJ Stars emerging as the runners-up.

For Mushekwi, however, this is not the first time he has extended his helping hand to Zimbabwean football structures.

In 2019, the Zheijang Greentown striker donated a new 45-seater state-of-the-art bus to his former team Caps United.

He donated the bus to the club as a token of appreciation for the platform they gave him to showcase himself before joining the South African Premier Soccer League.

At some point in his international career, Mushekwi was said to have pledged to pay the Zimbabwe national team bonuses during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

This followed a massive fallout between players and the Zimbabwe Football Association [ZIFA] officials over bonuses.

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old joins Aston Villa midfielder Marvellous Nakamba who has been heavily involved in promoting junior football development in Zimbabwe through his foundation. 

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