The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
SPORTS, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Tinomuda Machakaire, has distanced himself from Mutare City Rovers presidency as widely circulated through social media in recent weeks.
Social media groups, especially in and around Mutare, were awash with different articles suggesting that the club has since appointed Machakaire as its president.
A wish list of different sports personalities was drawn up and purported to have been appointed as part of the City Rovers executive.
“In its quest to revive the lost glory, former Premier Soccer League outfit, Mutare City FC has appointed charismatic Deputy Minister of Sport, Tinomuda Machakaire as the club president.
“The Mutare City FC board will be headed by the acting town clerk — Anthony Mutara, deputised by veteran football administrator and former Highway FC owner, Binali Yard.
“Other board members include Mutare mayor, Blessing Tandi, Mutare public relations officer, Spren Mutiwi, former decorated referee, Kenny Marange, businessman, Ahmed Shiran and prominent lawyer, Victor Mazengero.
“The executive committee that will be responsible for running the day-to-day activities of the team will be led by deputy mayor, Farai Bhiza. Youthful businessman, Dunmore Mambondiyani will be the vice-chairman.
“Mutare journalist, Clayton Masekesa has bounced back as the club’s director of communications. Benjamin Chindima was appointed brand and marketing ambassador.
“Godwin Sithole and Onismo Nyakadzino will be the marketing officers. Johannes Kwangwari becomes the secretary-general, Golden Mahlanza has retained his post as treasurer, while Abigail Musunzuru will be the auditor. Samson Kabwe got the welfare manager portfolio.
“The team has well oiled committee members that include Manicaland Juniors of Excellence Soccer Academy (MAJESA) director, Charles Chave, Regai Tsunga, Arnold Tsunga and Perpetua Guwila. Other committee members include councillors, Xavier Upare, Elizabeth Tsoro and Simon Chabuka. Lyndon Kanyemba was retained as team manager, while Kennedy ‘Bokande’ Kachara remains the head coach,” reads part of one of the widely circulated articles.
However, Machakaire denied having any links with Mutare City Rovers, saying: “There is not even a grain of truth in those articles linking me to Mutare City Rovers. I have not been appointed in any capacity at Mutate City Rovers. I am not sure why this name dropping tendency is going unabated in Mutare. It is sad. People should learn to verify information before circulating falsehoods. This actually borders on malice.”
