The Sunday News
Sports Reporter
A new football club based in the sprawling high density suburb of Cowdray Park is on the cards with the owner targeting participation in the Zifa Bulawayo Province Division Two league this season.
A brainchild of United States of America-based businessman, philanthropist, Godfrey Mukwindidza, FC Adira will train and play its home matches in the suburb and has already begun the process of building a squad for the upcoming season with trials set to be held on June 5 at Celebration Church in Cowdray Park.
The club’s owner also revealed plans to eventually build a stadium and establish a youth development academy as well as compete in the top tier league. Speaking from his base in the US, Mukwindidza told this publication that his vision is not just to create a football club ‘that will excel in Zimbabwe and eventually Africa’ but one that will groom and develop young men with respect for their society and themselves. He said his ultimate goal is the growth of mature young men.
“I do not just want FC Adira to be an ordinary football club, but one that espouses respect and community responsibility among its players. This club is not Godfrey’s club but a players’ club,” Mukwindidza said.
Although he was born in Mutare before growing up and being educated in Harare, Mukwindidza said he identified Cowdray Park as his club’s base as a way to give its residents entertainment and a source of pride for their suburb while also sharing the Christian way of life.
“I am God-fearing man and my plan is to give Cowdray Park both entertainment and an opportunity to grow spiritually and in Christianity. We will play football, but we also strive to spread the gospel while at it,” the FC Adira founder said.
Despite his ambitions for the club, Mukwindidza believes in taking baby steps by starting in the lower leagues and using local talent as the team grows with each season. His primary focus at the moment is to invest in adequate equipment and resources and to create a family culture through football.
“Although I would love to see the club eventually competing with the big boys, we intend to take each season as it comes, literary taking baby steps with the initial objective being to make sure we invest in adequate resources and equipment to begin the growth process,” he said.
A father of three daughters and happily married, the businessman said his family has been supportive of the new project and is expected to play a role and the development of the young players.
“My wife, Emma Louise and my three daughters have been very supportive of this project and will be active in helping with the development of our players. Like I said, this is going to be a community and family-oriented club and my family is a key part of this vision,” said the 42-year old.
Mukwidzidza’s passion for game has been with him since his primary and high school days at Marlborough Primary School before moving to Sandringham and Christ Ministries High Schools where he played first as a winger (primary school) and midfielder (high school).
A Pre-Law and Public Administration graduate, he moved to the United States in 2002 where he studied at Pittsburgh University and then Park University in Missouri. During his varsity days, Mukwindidza played football as a defender and is now hoping to use these sporting networks to develop the FC Adira football brand.
