In the heart of Zimbabwe, where dreams often contend with daunting realities, a powerful narrative of resilience, unity, and ambition is unfolding on the football pitch.
It’s the story of Evergreen Amputees Football Club, a beacon of hope for people with disabilities, driven by the unwavering vision of its chairman, Tadzai Darlington Matema.
Formed just over a year ago, on May 5, 2024, this extraordinary club is not just playing football — it’s spearheading a movement to transform perceptions, foster inclusion, and carve out a professional future for amputee athletes across the nation.
For Evergreen Amputees FC, football is more than a game; it's a testament to capability over disability.
“The idea behind the formation of the club is to have something to do with our lives instead of sitting at home idle,” explained Matema, a Class 1 electrician, who after an amputation in 2012, found a new purpose in the sport he loved.
“It gives us an atmosphere of togetherness and appreciation of each other, in a way that makes us come out of the shell and show the world what we can do.”
The club, currently boasting 23 members, welcomes anyone with a disability, while also embracing able-bodied individuals who share their passion.
Their ultimate dream is colossal: to establish a vibrant amputee football league in Zimbabwe, participate in regional and international competitions, and propagate the sport to every corner of the country, from urban centers to remote rural areas, earning global recognition.
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This grand vision, however, is not without its hurdles, challenges that underscore the desperate need for support.
The most pressing is the critical shortage of crutches.
As Matema highlights, “At the moment, each player is using their crutches which they use daily, so during the game the crutches can break, bend or get damaged, then we have a problem — how will one go home without the assistive devices? That’s our biggest challenge: Crutches.”
Beyond this fundamental need, the club grapples with other significant obstacles.
Transport to and from training is a constant headache, as most players are unemployed or rely on precarious self-sustenance jobs.
This financial strain restricts their training to only every other Saturday. The team also lacks proper uniforms and training kits, with players currently resorting to wearing their own varied sports attire.
Their training ground, Danhiko School Grounds in Harare, serves its purpose, but the team yearns for a properly maintained pitch suitable for amputee football.
Basic necessities like a first aid kit to manage injuries and refreshments for players after grueling sessions are also glaring omissions.
The ambitious drive to introduce the sport nationwide is hampered by a lack of financial assistance for outreach programs.
Furthermore, essential soccer equipment – balls, training bibs, cones, boots, shin pads, and gloves – are in short supply.
Perhaps most disheartening, some players have even stopped attending due to the personal resources they expend with no immediate incentives.
As Matema acknowledged, while patience is key, tangible support is crucial to retain talent and momentum.
Despite these formidable challenges, the spirit of Evergreen Amputees FC remains unbroken.
Player Honoured Chipondoro (35), articulates the profound impact the sport has had on his life.
“Playing amputee soccer helps me to keep myself physical fit, also helps to forget about the disability I have. The main issue is being disabled doesn’t mean inability.” Chipondoro's personal aspiration echoes the team's collective dream.
“We want a scenario where amputees football can be big and also a source of livelihood for people living with disability. It would be nice to also participate at the Amputees Football World Cup.”
The club proudly champions gender inclusivity, with Chipo Zhento standing as their sole female player — a testament to her courage and dedication.
“It has been a wonderful experience for me. It's like a second family,” says Zhento, who lost her leg in a car accident. “I have seen myself improve as a player. Now I can run better and control the ball better. The big dream for me is to be an international player and represent my country at big tournaments.”
Her plea for amputees football equipment like crutches, jerseys, balls and shooters among other training equipment reinforces the urgency of the team’s needs.
The Zimbabwe National Paralympic Commission (ZNPC) recognises the vital work Evergreen Amputees FC is doing.
Alexander Mkandla, an official with the ZNPC, expressed their satisfaction.
“Evergreen Amputees Football Club are our affiliate. We have been working with them and we are extremely happy with what they have done in terms of growing amputees football.”
He acknowledges the nascent stage of amputee football in Zimbabwe but hopes to see it flourish into a national league with strong national teams.
Mkandla envisioned a future where amputee football teams curtain-raise for popular clubs like Dynamos, elevating the sport’s profile.
Evergreen Amputees FC has received an invitation to compete in an international invitational tournament in Tanzania later in July.
This is a monumental step, a chance to showcase Zimbabwean talent on a regional stage and further propel their dream.
Mkandla urges the corporate world to support them and brand them as they will be representing the country, highlighting the broader challenge of securing corporate backing for disability sports in Zimbabwe.
Matema, whose own passion for football dates back to his days coaching Platinum Bullets and Villa FC, sees this invitation as a crucial stepping stone.
His personal journey, from a thriving electrician to an amputee driven by a television feature on amputee football in West Africa, epitomises the spirit of perseverance that defines Evergreen Amputees FC.
His heartfelt appeal extends beyond financial aid.
“My vision is to bring people with disabilities to the game and my appeal is those people who hide their disabled children/relatives, that stigma must stop, especially the girl child – bring them to amputee football to mix and mingle with their colleagues.”
Evergreen Amputees Football Club is not just seeking donations; they are extending an invitation to be part of a transformative journey.
They appeal to the corporate world, the Ministry of Sports, and the Sports and Recreation Commission for comprehensive assistance — financial aid, assistive devices like crutches and wheelchairs, transport solutions, refreshments, uniforms, and above all, moral support.
