Cuthbert Malajila striking for his academy in Zimbabwe’s second tier

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cuthbert Malajila is turning the hands of time, striking for his CUMA academy in Zimbabwe’s second tier.

To set a perfect example for his under 21s competing in the Northern Region Division One league, the 36-year-old is now rubbing shoulders with his rookies in the dressing room, away from his director’s role.

So far, he has featured in two competitive matches for the academy, with one goal to his name.

He was a second-half substitute in their first match against Karoi United a fortnight ago, where they won 2-0.

The former Zimbabwe Warriors star was then given a first-team start last weekend against Banket United, and he scored, although they went on to lose 2-1 to Banket United, which is coached by ex-Bidvest Wits forward Stuart Murisa.

Asked why he has decided to play with his rookies, Malajila said sharing the same dressing room with them will inspire them.

“I am just trying to help out the boys. To some of them, I am a role model, so playing with them goes a long way in encouraging them to be better and also gain confidence,” Malajila told FARPost.

“Like I previously said, my goal is to push them to levels that I have never been or at least the level that I reached.

“In our country, not everyone got serious mentorship at the start of their careers, but I have decided to be that father figure to my players at the academy. We have to be behind them all the way.

“This is our first season in division one, so the idea is to maintain our slot in the league by avoiding relegation.

“Next season, we will be all geared up with confidence to compete for promotion and other accolades.”

To his players, the ex-Maritzburg forward is preaching humbleness as the cornerstone to success in football.

“I am playing with them at their level because that’s the only way I can fully relate to them in terms of the daily challenges,” he added.

“They need to know that anyone can make it in football as long as they maintain themselves, be disciplined and refuse to fall into the drug abuse bandwagon.

“We need to teach them a culture where we are professional footballers and undo all the other things that bring a bad image to this profession. It’s my goal, and hopefully, we will be able to reap the rewards soon.”

CUMA is based in Kadoma, where Malajila began his football career before rising to a shining star in the Zimbabwean premiership.

His main objective is to uproot future football stars from the same community that natured him.