Sports Impact

Dec 2024 – Feb 2025

Smart Moyo

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Veteran footballer Smart Moyo was born and raised in Bulaway, Zimbabwe. His soccer career commenced at the age of ten when he began competing as a goalkeeper at Losikeyi Primary School in Bulawayo.

Three years later he joined the under-fourteen Highlanders football team. In 1976, at the age of sixteen, he progressed to the under-eighteen team and became a member of the Highlanders Football Club’s reserve side.

Following completion of his exams in 1976, he participated in the Liberation Struggle. Subsequently, in 1983 he resumed his soccer career under the guidance of Coach Bobby Clark from Scotland. During this period, he played for Highlanders as a goalkeeper and was a member of the first team.

Due to economic constraints, he accepted a position with Merlin Private Limited, which also afforded him the opportunity to play for their team, Merlin Husky. The terms of my employment included serving as the team’s goalkeeper and working as a wages clerk. Smart played for Merlin Husky until 1986, when the team disbanded due to financial difficulties.

Smart acquired a piece of land in Umguza District where he currently resides. This enabled him to establish a sports program for young boys and girls. This initiative has since evolved into a formal association known as the Umguza District Sports Association (UDISA); which he has the privilege of leading.

The association comprises community-based teams, and its primary objective is to provide school-going children with opportunities to engage in sports activities during non-school days and holidays, thereby reducing their vulnerability to drug and substance abuse. Furthermore, they aim to identify and nurture hidden talent within the community.

AGN; Can you share with us what influenced your career choice as a footballer?

SM; Growing up, my family was instrumental in encouraging me to play football. They would often take me to watch local matches. As I grew older, I was inspired by watching the most prominent clubs playing. I would say to myself ‘one day I want to play for those teams’.

AGN; Who was your football idol growing up as a young goalkeeper at Losikeyi Primary School?

SM; My sports teacher at primary school and mentors played a significant role in my development, providing guidance, support and valuable feedback. As a child, Bruce Grobbler inspired me a lot.

AGN; Did you ever dream of playing for the Zimbabwean national team, the Warriors?

SM; Ohh yes!

AGN; Is there a moment in your footballing career that you would say is the most memorable?

SM; When we played for the independence trophy against ‘Dynamos’. We lost to ‘Dynamos’ but the game was well played.

AGN; What would you say was your greatest career accomplishment?

SM; My biggest career accomplishment in football was winning the championship with my team. It was an incredible feeling knowing that all our hard work and dedication had paid off.

I remember the final match vividly, and the sense of pride and achievement we all felt as we lifted the trophy. It was a testament to our team’s resilience, teamwork, and determination.

AGN; Do you have any unfulfilled goals from your playing career?

SM; As a former footballer, I can reflect on my playing career and acknowledge that there are indeed some unfulfilled goals. One of my biggest regrets is not being able to make it into the national team.

I had always dreamed of wearing the national jersey and competing against the best teams in the region. Unfortunately, that opportunity never arose.

AGN; Why did you decide to leave football at an early point in your career to join the liberation struggle?

SM; That decision was motivated by my brothers and cousins joining the liberation struggle. We influenced each other to go and at that time, it felt right.

AGN; You’ve mentioned in previous interviews that you were not only a good goalkeeper but also a good outfield player. What position do you think you could have played easily if you weren’t a shot stopper?

SM; I would have been a midfielder.

AGN; What team will you say was your toughest opponent during your playing days?

SM; ‘Dynamos’.

AGN; Is there any particular player you had a hard time coming up against?

SM; Shakeman Tauro who used to play for Caps United.

AGN; What is your assessment of the current state of Zimbabwean football?

SM; The country has produced talented players like Peter Ndlovu, Marvelous Nakamba, Tendayi Darikwa, and Admiral Muskwe amongst others.

In Zimbabwe we have a rich footballing history having participated in several international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations. However, we need to improve in terms of competitiveness and performance and also in issues of investment in youth development programs especially in rural areas where there is so much hidden talent.

AGN; Zimbabwe has qualified for the next edition of the African Cup of Nations in Morocco. How far do you tip the team to go?

SM; As far as the quarter finals.

AGN; Can you share some of your experiences as a freedom fighter?

SM; The experience was marked by a mix of emotions – fear, adrenaline and a deep sense of purpose. Growing up, I witnessed the injustices perpetuated by the colonial regime, and I knew I had to do something.

The war was brutal but despite the odds, we persevered, driven by our conviction for freedom and self-determination. One of the most significant lessons I learned during the war was the importance of unity and solidarity. We were a diverse group of individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life, but we were united in our quest for freedom.

The experience also taught me the value of resilience and adaptability. We had to be resourceful and innovative to survive, often relying on makeshift solutions and guerrilla tactics. Looking back, I am proud of the role I played in the liberation struggle. It was a difficult and trying time but it shaped me into the person I am today.

AGN; What are some of the challenges you faced while playing football in the early 1980s, and how did you overcome them?

SM; Upon returning from the liberation struggle, I encountered a significant challenge in transitioning back to civilian life, particularly in securing employment. However, my perseverance and dedication ultimately paid off when a sports team, upon recognizing my skills and experience, offered me to join their organization.

I resumed my football career while leveraging my skills to contribute to the team’s success. This opportunity not only provided me with a sense of purpose but also allowed me to integrate back into society, utilizing my experience and skills to make a positive impact.

AGN; You are the founder of Umguza District Sports Association (UDISA), an organisations committed to the development of young people through sports. Why do you feel compelled to be of service in this way?

SM; As a former footballer and freedom fighter, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of sports and community engagement. Growing up, sports were more than just a game – they were a source of hope, inspiration, and empowerment.

Throughout my career I’ve witnessed the impact that sports can have on young people’s lives. Sports has the ability to teach valuable life skills, promote physical and mental well-being, and foster a sense of community and belonging.

However, I’ve also seen the devastating effects of substance abuse on young people’s lives. As someone who has experienced the harsh realities of war and its aftermath, I understand the importance of providing young people with positive alternatives and support systems.

That’s why I feel compelled to be of service to the development of youth initiatives for sports. I believe that sports have the power to transform lives, and I want to help create opportunities for young people to realize their potential.

My drive to push for youth initiatives to stop substance abuse stems from a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. As someone who has been fortunate enough to overcome adversity, I feel a strong sense of duty to give back to my community and help others avoid the pitfalls that I’ve seen.

Ultimately, my goal is to help create a brighter future for young people, one that is free from the scourge of substance abuse and filled with hope, opportunity, and promise.

AGN; What insights can you share about the type of impact UDISA has had in the community?

SM; This initiative has been a game-changer for the community. We’ve seen a notable increase in their participation in sports and other positive activities. The community has come together to support our cause, and we’ve had amazing feedback from parents, teachers, and the young people themselves.

One of the key ways we’ve achieved this is by providing a safe and welcoming space for young people to come and engage in positive activities. We’ve also worked hard to build relationships with local organizations and leadership, which has helped us to secure resources to support our work.

Our initiative has also had a positive impact on the wider community. People are coming together to support each other, and we’re seeing a real sense of pride and ownership in the community.

Overall, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and excited to see how this will unfold in the future.

AGN; Is there anything else you would like to add?

SM; To fulfill this dream, we seek support from stakeholders for our youth development initiative, focused on promoting sports and preventing substance abuse. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people to thrive.

The contributions will help us provide sports equipment and training facilities, support mentoring and coaching programs and also develop substance abuse prevention workshops. Whether it’s financial support, expertise, or resources, the contributions will make a tangible difference in the lives of our young people.

At UDISA we don’t only focus on football but we also encompass other sporting activities for both boys and girls. Our ultimate goal is to have all sporting activities (eg netball, tennis, cricket, rugby, handball, hockey) done in our district as well.

Sports Impact

Contributor(s):
Nimo Williams Darkwa

Editor:
Ri Iyovwaye

on behalf of African Global Networks (AGN) – Dec 2024