US$100K Lifeline for Soccer Legends

• Tagwirei Pledges $100k to Former Footballers Through New Zanu PF Affiliate 

• Footballers4ED Initiative Offers Ex-Players Projects, Free Healthcare

• Zimbabwe Soccer Legends Tasked with Grassroots Revival Under New Funding Scheme

A new affiliate group, Footballers4ED, has been launched with a pledge of US$100,000 in funding for former footballers, aimed at supporting project-based livelihoods.

The initiative was unveiled at a meeting hosted by Zanu PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Taurai Kandishaya at his farm in Goromonzi.

Speaking to the gathering, which included several Zimbabwean soccer legends, Kandishaya announced that the funding had been pledged by businessman and Zanu PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei.

“Cde Kudakwashe Tagwirei pledged to support the former footballers with US$100,000 so that they come up with various projects so that they earn a better living,” Kandishaya said.

“On top of the $100k, you are allowed to get free health facility and medical at Arundel Hospital.”

Kandishaya also linked the initiative to broader national efforts, referencing recently announced presidential funding for football promotion.

He said retired footballers under the Footballers for Economic Development banner would be tasked with organizing tournaments from grassroots levels.

The event saw the attendance of former football icons such as Sunday Marimo and Evans Gwekerere.

Balon Chiseko, the National Chairman of Footballers4ED, explained the group’s purpose.

“The purpose of this organization is to remember every legend who contributed to the soccer fraternity of this country,” he said.

“We understand all former soccer players have various grievances but the initiative of this is to revive soccer through their knowledge.”

Former Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa expressed gratitude for the recognition.

“Since his life this is the first time to gather for an initiative that remembers us,” he said.

“I want to thank the organizers of this initiative, we are ready to develop and revive football in Zimbabwe.”

The Footballers4ED group positions itself as an affiliate supporting Zanu PF and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Economic Development (ED) agenda.

The pledged funds are intended to catalyze entrepreneurial projects for the former athletes while mobilizing their expertise for grassroots football development.