THE success of Simba Bhora has not only brought joy to their hometown and fans but also to the albino society.
Before the Shamva-based side won the ZIFA Northern Region Division One League title, the top-flight league had only one albino, Ashual Chikandiwa, the Triangle United medic.
Simba Bhora’s Mathata Makgakga is also the club’s medic.
It seems Triangle United and Simba Bhora are using football as a tool to demystify the negative perception towards people living with albinism.
People living with albinism generally suffer social exclusion, discrimination and stigmatisation.
Makgakga said he still can’t believe that they will be playing top-flight football next year.
“Despite being in the Premiership next season, the joy of contributing to local sport is unexplainable,” said Makgakga.
Zimbabwe Albino Association projects officer, Kudakwashe Machiha, believes this will challenge more people living with albinism to aim higher.
“It sends a very positive image to the public and it acts as a practical awareness tool that people with albinism are also capable.
“Seeing people with albinism occupying such roles, in the most followed sport in the county, will really change the perception of fans,” said Machiha.
“It also shows that people with albinism are being given a fair chance to live their dreams.
“We are happy with the acceptance and this shows that people with albinism are now being embraced.”
Interestingly, Chikandiwa, is one of Triangle United’s longest-serving members.
He has been with the side since their promotion to the PSL in 2012.
“I encountered many problems after the team was promoted. “Some teams thought I was being used as the club’s witch doctor.
“I was latter exonerated after working with many coaches who saw nothing wrong with me.
“I had to be strong to overcome such problems. I wouldn’t have made it had it not been the club chairman who fought in my corner.”
Season Ndundu, who works at Radio Zimbabwe, has emerged as one of the finest broadcasters in the country.
“It’s not like we don’t have albinos who are capable, but they have been hesitant due to low self-esteem,” said Ndundu.
“Now, that we have more albinos in sport, it means we are reaching a turning point and those who have made it should not relax.
“In whatever we will be doing, we should always know that we are representing albinos who are still fighting for recognition.”
Source: H-Metro
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