Heather Chikonan’ombe
Born and bred in the mining town of Mvuma, Midlands Province, ‘Jule’ as Rodreck Mutuma is affectionately known in his hometown has always dreamt of a star he became to be.
His rise to prowess was not his success alone, but also those he shared torn footballs boots with at Mvuma Stadium from which they played for an unstable Mvuma Stars which had many ownership struggles, many of them emanating from political interference.
Mutuma’s relationship with the community, that of a somehow naughty character which at times manifests in the field is a story for another day.
Emerging as the ‘Prince’ of football in the national football arena, Mutuma’s prowess was more like a flash, that which shines and vanishes instantly but at the same time living a huge impact whenever it strikes.
Mutuma (32) like any other footballer, still harbors interests to play at the highest level of the beautiful game, Europe amid having surpassed the prime of his career.
Having played for Dynamos, CAPS United, Highlanders locally and the now defunct Nichrut; Mutuma has even tried his luck in a flop South African move where he never lasted at Bloemfontein Celtic.
Mutuma is currently attached to a Congolese side FC Lupopo.
The Mvuma bred striker opened up on his unfulfilled dream of playing the game on European soil where other Zimbabweans, Tinotenda Kadewere, Marshal Munetsi and Marvelous Nakamba are flying high.
“I haven’t achieved all my career goals, but I’m grateful for what I have achieved so far,” he said.
“I still want to play for a European team. I have played in Zimbabwe, South Africa and DRC and anything is still possible,” he added.
Currently, Kadewere, Munetsi and Nakamba are raising the country’s flag high in Europe.
