The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
FORMER Soccer Star of the Year Stewart Murisa has called on footballers to avoid taking drugs as this is likely to put both their lives and careers in jeopardy.
Murisa, who was guest of honour at the KB Kanyongo Football Tournament in Mutoko last weekend, also hailed football sponsors who are uplifting talent in rural areas.
“I would not have become the great player that I was if I had indulged in drugs. So, I am urging these upcoming footballers to stay away from drugs,” Murisa, who won the 1996 Soccer Star of the Year Award, said.
Murisa joined CAPS United from Darryn T, where his skill was perfected by Polish coach Wieslaw Grabowski.
The year he won his top gong, he also helped CAPS pip rivals Dynamos to the league title, the club’s first championship since Independence.
“I was discovered in Chitungwiza by Grabowski and one thing he used to emphasise was the need for players to have both discipline and determination.
“That’s how I started my football journey, a journey that took me to many clubs and places.
“So, a player’s behaviour determines the path of his or her career,” he said.
“I am a firm believer in junior football development, being someone who also benefitted from such, and want to thank the Kanyongo family for organising the tournament.”
There are a lot of good players in rural areas, he said, but their talent goes unnoticed because there are very few platforms to showcase it.
Murisa is currently a developmental coach at Yadah.
The annual KB Kanyongo tournament, which also includes netball competitions, is the brainchild of the Kanyongo family members, who were born and bred in Mutoko.
Star City won this year’s football trophy after edging holders Kanyongo FC 2-1 in a thrilling final watched by thousands of supporters.
Four teams took part in the netball competition.
In the past, the tournament has attracted coaches like Tonderai Ndiraya, Naison Muchekela and Laban Kandi.
In 2021, Ndiraya who was then-Dynamos coach, identified three players at the tournament — Charles Katsande, Tinotendaishe Nyamanzi and Hilton Nyamakope — who had a rare chance of training with the Harare giants.
“I discovered a number of good players, but I was particularly impressed with one or two. I will recommend them further,” said the former Dynamos and Highlanders star.
The tournament sponsors pledged to continue bankrolling the event.
“The main aim is to give these rural boys and girls a chance to showcase their talent and, at the same time, try and take them away from drugs,” said Gideon Kanyongo.
“I was happy that this time a different team, Star City, won the tournament ahead of serial winners Kanyongo FC.
“It shows that teams are working hard to improve their standards.”
