Luthando Mapepa
Sports Correspondent
TONGOGARA United Football Club is poised to make a significant impact in the Eastern Region Division One League after earning promotion from Division Two.
The team, based at Tongogara Refugee Settlement, boasts of an impressive pool of talent.
This is evident from the success story of Ngandu Mangala, a Congolese-born striker who was signed by Harare giants, Dynamos in 2019.
Mangala, then 25, made headlines with his impressive performances, including a brace against Mushowani Stars at Rufaro Stadium.
Notably, Mangala is a refugee from Tongogara Refugee Settlement, highlighting the camp’s potential for producing talented footballers.
The abundance of talent at Tongogara Refugee Settlement was further highlighted by Lloyd ‘Samaita’ Mutasa, former Dynamos coach.
After watching Tongogara United in action during the Gibson Marwa Tournament in Chipinge, Mutasa expressed his astonishment at the talent on display, particularly from Tshipampa Babadi and Francis Lukonde.
“I did not know that such talent exists in a place like that. The boys are exceptionally good and capable of impressing in the premiership. We will explore their availability, considering their status, but I would love to have them at DeMbare,” he said then when he was still Dynamos head coach.
The newly promoted Eastern Region Soccer League side will host their home matches at GreenFuel Stadium in Middle Sabi. Their stadium in the settlement does not meet ZIFA second-tier standards.
Tongogara United FC made history last year by becoming the first refugee team to qualify for the Eastern Region Soccer League Division One.
Johane Mhlanga, administrator of Tongogara Refugee Settlement said due to the lack of a suitable stadium in the Tongogara Refugee Settlement, the team will host their home matches at the Rating/GreenFuel Stadium.
He said plans are underway to upgrade the settlement’s stadium to meet Division One standards.
The upgrade will include improvements to the pitch, changing rooms, seating areas, and overall infrastructure to comply with ZIFA’s regulations.
“Our goal is to create a safe and professional environment for our players and provide a venue that reflects the club’s commitment to excellence in football. Although we will be hosting our home matches at Ratings/GreenFuel Stadium, we have laid a robust long-term plan of action to upgrade the stadium in the Tongogara Refugee Settlement to meet the Division One standards as required by ZIFA. This upgrade includes improvements to the pitch, building changing rooms, seating areas, and overall infrastructure to ensure that the facility is compliant with ZIFA’s regulations for Division One teams,” said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga said Tongogara United FC promotes inclusivity by comprising, not only refugees, but also members from host communities.
“This approach aligns with our mission of fostering social cohesion and local integration. By bringing together refugees and host community members, we promote mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration, bridging cultural divides and creating a unified environment within Tongogara Refugee Settlement,” he said
Mhlanga also appealed for sponsorship, indicating that the team currently lacks formal external partnerships.
“We invite individuals and corporate organisations to support Tongogara United FC. Sponsorship will provide essential resources, including equipment, training facilities, and travel expenses. The support will go a long way in promoting the realisation of the pledge made by Government to strengthen the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in sport and cultural programmes at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva,” he added.
