Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
AFTER observing the increase of drug abuse during the Covid-19 era that was worsened by inactivity among youths as a result of the lockdown enforcements, a junior football team was formed to address the idleness.
As FC Reactors grow in leaps and bounds after joining Mutare Junior League in 2020, the club reached the semi-finals of the annual Mai Hondo Tournament in their first year, and lost to eventual winners, La Sakubva.
Last year, FC Reactors lost to MAJESA in the group stages, and this year, they have qualified again for arguably Manicaland’s best run junior football cup competition.
Named FC Reactors, the project was simply a reaction of the idleness among youngsters in Chikanga high density suburb of Mutare.
In an interview, FC Reactors co-founder, Monday Chipika, narrated the dramatic events that spurred the idea to form a junior football team.
“Located right in the core of Mutare, Chikanga high density suburb, and a stone’s throw away from Mutare Showgrounds, like anywhere else the Covid-19 pandemic was wreaking havoc.
“At that time, imbibers would always have time to meet at various secluded places to drink, given the lockdown enforcements that prevailed back then.
“This is the time when FC Reactors was born. We were seated at the Dairiboard stands at the showground, and an unusual, and unexpected incident grabbed our attention.
“Together with my friend, Tafadzwa Matipano, we could not digest the sight of it. Two young boys in their early teens were abusing drugs. We just had to ‘react’ to that.
“I mooted the idea of forming a soccer team, and my colleague responded by buying five balls. The ‘reacting’ journey against the drug menace in our society through football had started,” said Chipika.
Along the way, they faced some challenges, but their determination saw them through.
Chipika said: “Where to train became a barrier. We were booted from the showgrounds, but the commitment had reached another level. We could not budge. We hoped from one ground to another, and later settled for Chikanga Primary School.”
To date, FC Reactors now have proper leadership structures.
Chipika said: “Our executive is highly committed to the team’s objectives, and those willing to help can always be part of the team. As FC Reactors, we will play our part in making sure that youths are given a chance to develop their talents.”
Led by Matipano as the chairman, the executive committee comprises Reason Chikotera (vice chairman), Tawanda Zvarevashe (team manager), Munyaradzi Mwashita (marketing manager), Itayi Mutsonziwa (treasurer), Nathan Mandangepfupfu (secretary), Artwell Chitandaweta (vice secretary), team coordinator and co-founder Chipika, as well as committee members, Austin Dzvifu and Leevet Zibuke.
Chipika said: “It is our wish to churn out stars who have football and good life skills. A junior soccer team should not limit its scope on players alone.
“A team doctor should be guided at the football pitch. A sports lawyer, and journalist can start there. We should not confine ourselves to football only when we groom players. Discipline should be top notch level.”
