By Tatiana Mhararira
David Mukuze is a shining star in Zimbabwe’s football firmament. The 19-year-old goalkeeper from Mufakose High School has been making waves in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) with his exceptional skills and poise between the posts.
In an impressive display of talent and determination, Mukuze made headlines recently as he helped Triangle United FC secure a remarkable draw against Scotland FC in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
The match, held at Triangle United’s Gibbo Stadium, saw Mukuze take center stage. Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, he showcased exceptional skills and poise, upsetting Scotland’s efforts to secure a win. Mukuze’s defensive prowess and quick counterattacks were pivotal in keeping the score level, much to the delight of the home crowd.
In an interview with TellZim News, Mukuze shared his experience during his first PSL match against Scotland FC.
“Before the game, I was nervous since it was my first time behind posts, and I was facing big players like Khama Billiat and Walter Musona, so I had a lot of pressure. As soon as I got into the ground, the people who supported me instilled confidence, courage, and strength in me as they cheered and called my name, ‘Starra.’ That gave me faith that I could do it, and indeed, I did it,” said Mukuze.
Mukuze’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. From humble beginnings in Zaka to becoming a key player for Triangle United FC, his journey is an inspiration to many young footballers in Zimbabwe. With his impressive performances, Mukuze is proving that age is just a number, and talent and determination can take you to great heights.
He was born in Zaka, where he spent his early life. He relocated to Triangle in Grade 2 and attended Kyle Primary, where his sporting interest was discovered, not in soccer, but in volleyball.
Mukuze shared his football history and where he got the inspiration to excel in sport.
“I started playing football at the age of 13 when I played social football in the Mufakose residential area and later joined Triangle United U19, playing in Division 2 at the age of 14. I was called for trials at Triangle United FC’s senior team by Coach Jairos Tapera at the age of 15 in 2022 but failed to join the team because of age. I spent the whole year training with the team till 2023 mid-season when I signed the contract with the new Coach Thubani Sibanda.
“I used to play volleyball at primary level to an extent that I played National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) games twice in 2018 and 2019 but later changed my interests to soccer. I got my inspiration from Chris Mverechena, who was playing for Triangle United FC as a goalkeeper by that time, and he made me love soccer and wished me to play soccer. I then started training as a goalkeeper at home and school,” said Mukuze.
Mukuze said he balanced his life off the pitch well and credited the support he received from his teachers, family, and the school.
“As an Advanced Level learner doing Arts, I balance football and my academics well, giving credit to my teachers who take me for extra lessons from around 19:00 hours to 20:00 hours after my training, and this allows me to balance both sport and academic life.
“I also receive maximum support from my family, who motivate me and buy football requirements like kits and boots. From school, they provide moral support; for example, all teachers and my peers from Mufakose came to see me play my first game against Scotland FC,” said Mukuze.
He urged youths of his age to stay focused, believe in themselves, and stay away from drugs.
“Being a sportsman, you must be physically fit so that you can last long. Taking drugs affects perfomance. The fact that I want more endurance is why I don’t get involved in drugs and other harmful substances,” he said.
Triangle United FC goalkeeper’s coach, Brito Gwere, said he was given the opportunity to play when he was young, and that made him believe in Mukuze’s ability.
“I played as a youngster, so I give young talented players like Mukuze the opportunity to showcase their ability and skills on the pitch. On the game against Scotland FC, we had a challenge of injuries from other goalkeepers, so we had no option other than to allow him into the first 11 and he proved his ability to handle big games. We motivated him and gave him words of encouragement that he was going to be a good goalkeeper for that match,” said Gwere.
Mufakose High head coach, Aaron Chagweda, said he was happy with Mukuze’s performance and how it intertwined with behavior off the pitch.
“I can confidently say that Mukuze is a humble and disciplined young lad who is driven by a unique propensity to excel. He has shown remarkable growth and dedication beyond his years. It did not take me time to select him as my team captain for the under-20 boys team. His commanding voice on and off the pitch reverberates with wisdom, and to me,” said Chagweda.
Mufakose High Head, Severino Bvunyenge, said Mukuze was a source of inspiration to his fellows and as he embarked on his journey, the school was there to support him.
“As head and transformational team leader, it brings me great pride to recognize the remarkable journey of our learner, a goalkeeper whose talent, dedication, and discipline have set him apart as a rising star in the world of sport.
“His performance on the field is nothing short of inspiring, a true testament to what focus and hard work can achieve. What sets him apart is his humility, respect for others, and willingness to keep learning. We celebrate not only his sporting excellence but also the positive role model he has become for all learners at the school. As a school, we are proud to walk with him on his journey and look forward to witnessing his rise to stardom,” said Bvunyenge.
Not to be outdone, Mufakose SDC chairperson Nicholas Gubunje added his voice saying every parent would be happy to see his children succeed in any aspect and said the school would continue supporting him and all other leaners to reach their potential zenith.
“It is every parent’s joy to witness the success of children, but for David, it gives us a promising, prosperous and great motivation not only for him, but for the rest of learners at our school. Commitment and hard work will always produce excellence as exhibited by David. He has proven beyond reasonable doubt that, the sky is always the limit. He has made us proud by raising to stardom in the earliest stages of his life. We will continue giving necessary support for such great strides not only for him, but for the rest of our learners,” said Gubunje.
Mukuze’s team, the Sugar Sugar Boys as Triangle United FC is affectionately known as, sits at number 15 with 18 points, 4 wins, 6 draws, and 9 losses.
