Makanda was inspired by his community

By Mbekezeli Ncube

Highlanders forward, Tinashe Makanda has poured credit to the Pumula community where he grew up for giving him hope and courage to pursue his football career.

In an interview with our reporter, the former Bantu Rovers and Howmine player said unlike other footballers who are inspired by other soccer stars, he got encouraged by those who used to watch him play in the dusty streets of Pumula as well as his family.

'I started playing football at a tender age, so people used to watch us play ekasi (in our neighborhood) so they used to tell me that I will go far if I continue playing soccer. That is where I got my motivation and my inspiration because wherever I went to play they used to tell me those words. The people in my community and my family supported me, they never spoke negative things but they were always encouraging me,' Makanda said.

The 24 year old has had a stint with Bantu Rovers juniors before being promoted to the senior team. He also played for the Division Two outfit Zim Leopards where he attracted the now defunct How Mine football club in 2016. He also had a short spell with South African outfit Stellenbosch before penning a contract with Bosso in July last year.

Makanda's first appearance in the 'battle of Zimbabwe' between bitter rivals Highlanders and Dynamos was in this year's independence cup where he scored in a 2-0 victory for Bosso.

'I can not even describe the feeling of playing in the battle of Zimbabwe but I can say it was the best feeling ever because I managed to score and we won,' Makanda added.

The forward said he has intention of playing abroad in future and he will try his best to achieve that dream.

Makanda also urges youngsters who want to pursue a career in soccer to always stay disciplined on and off the field. He also encouraged them to grab opportunities with both hands if given a chance to play football.

-nextlevelsportstv