In the heart of Mutare, a football club has been making waves for 24 years, churning out talented players and transforming lives.
La Sakubva FC, a renowned team in the ZIFA Manicaland Division 2 league, has become a beacon of hope for the community, focusing on youth empowerment and social development.
Founded by veteran coach Timothy Masachi, La Sakubva FC’s mission has evolved from just nurturing football talent to developing complete citizens through football.
Speaking to Fanzone, Lispoh Rugaro, Secretary General and Administrator, says, “La Sakubva FC was founded 24 years ago by Timothy Masachi, a veteran Mutare coach, with a vision to empower youth through football. The goal was to lead talent identification, grooming and showcasing to the nation and world at large.”
Rugaro further explains, “Our mission now is to develop complete citizens through football as we have realized that football alone is not enough to groom men and more importantly responsible citizens free from crime, drug abuse and HIV&AIDS among other pandemics through partnership and collaborations.”
The club’s impact on Mutare’s football development is undeniable, producing talented players like Zimbabwe national football team goalkeeper Washington “Sekuru Gudo” Arubi, former Warriors and Plymouth Argyle defender Onismo Bhasera, and former Caps United and Manica Diamonds FC striker Nyasha Chintuli.
La Sakubva FC has also become a major tributary for several Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League sides, and has even contributed players to the Zimbabwe National Football Team, the Warriors. Players like Liberty Chakoroma, Last Jesi, Tichaona Mabvura, Ask Rupande and Fortune Binzi are some of the many success stories.
However, financial strain has hindered the club’s progress, prompting the launch of the “$24 for 24 Years Challenge”.
This initiative aims to raise funds for La Sakubva FC’s programs and youth development initiatives, supporting equipment, transport, registration, and player welfare. “The biggest challenge La Sakubva FC faces is financial strain, hindering progress and sustainability. To overcome this, they’ve launched the ‘$24 for 24 Years Challenge’, seeking support from well-wishers to stabilize operations and ensure young players continue accessing structured football development,” says Rugaro.
Rugaro also highlighted the club’s operational challenges, citing limitations in structure, resources, and infrastructure.
”Structure development is another challenge as the club operates through complete volunteers though qualified input is compromised as the coach is the only full-time volunteer personal, others operate as per need. Registration as academy and player registration to get royalties, development fee and sign on sale is another challenge. Lack of infrastructure also comes in due to no club grounds as well as equipment,” said Rugaro.
He urged supporters to join the challenge, stating, “If 400 or more people partner with $24, it will cover the club’s minimum possible budget for 2026 and if more comes it will establish and reinforce sustainable projects for the team,” added Rugaro.
