By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — A WhatsApp platform of football fans in Manicaland has rallied behind Anna Tafirenyika, whose husband Mr Skillo who has been missing since June 6, raising US$548 to help her continue her studies.
The fundraising campaign was organised through Winning Goal Promotions (WGP), a Manicaland-based WhatsApp platform bringing together football fans, coaches, administrators and other members of the football fraternity.
Tafirenyika said the financial support had allowed her to register for the second semester of her diploma studies at a time when the disappearance of her husband had left her facing uncertainty and financial pressure.
“Since my husband went missing on June 6, life has felt uncertain and heavy,” Tafirenyika said in an emotional message to the football community.
“In the middle of it all, you all came together and raised my tuition fees through the go fund. Because of you, I can register for second semester and keep working toward my diploma.”
She thanked the football family for standing with her, saying the assistance had reminded her that she was not alone.
Quoting Galatians 6:2, she said: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.”
Tafirenyika also said she continued to pray for her husband’s safe return.
The final WGP financial statement showed that US$535 was received in cash, while US$13 was sent directly to Tafirenyika by a contributor identified as Skude.
Of the cash collected, US$430 was paid at the bank towards her tuition fees, while US$105 was handed to Tafirenyika in cash.
The campaign drew contributions from a broad cross-section of the Manicaland and Zimbabwean football community, with individual donations ranging from US$5 to US$25, alongside several contributions made in South African rand.
WGP’s published list of contributors named Muzumba LSM Fortune Logistics, Simba (ERSL Chair), K. Nyabeze (Zifa-Man Chair), Gift Mapinda, Owen Sango, Benjie Chindima, Foreign Desk, DM Azzurie, Washaz Mandizha, W. Muzando Gazza, Kwangwari J, Nyagota Sprtlnd, Changara, Raza Choma, Puto Double T, Skude, Simba Mawoyo, Masembo C, Coach Zeka, Cde Bhunu, Elder Dzwete, JahB MaiHondo, Tongai “Simba”, Manager Zhake, Kanyemba L, Coach Adhala, Mama Doc, Master Njanji, Manager T. Zikai, Chibwana Brian, Nico Mpostori, Pardon Mapfumo, Sir Muvhuro, Amakhosi Gede, Jorum Muchambo, Alec Mukudu, Nyarai Masunde, Jecha, Advocate Matebwe, B. Wekunaka, Blessing Gumiso, Marwa Car Park, Bex Kan, Artwell Gumiso, Baldwin Chidzikw, Dani Mhofela, Coach Masibhera, Coach S. Nkata, Wonder Marriot, Mambo Tembere, Diva Plaster, Nyamande Ref, Marange Kuda and Nizzy Tutsirai Z.
The list also recorded repeat contributions from Puto Double T, while Bex Kan’s contribution was highlighted by WGP as a first-time donation.
The football fans’ initiative has highlighted the strong community networks that exist within the sport, extending beyond the pitch to provide practical support to members facing difficult circumstances.
WGP thanked everyone who contributed to the appeal and said the response demonstrated what could be achieved when football supporters came together around a common cause.
The platform has also positioned itself as an advocate for changes in Zimbabwean football, repeatedly using the slogan: “WGP fighting no one trying to change Zimbabwe football landscape without fear or favour and prejudice.”
For Tafirenyika, however, the fundraising campaign has become more than a football initiative. It has provided crucial financial relief while she continues her education and waits for news about her missing husband.
“I’m praying for my husband’s safe return every day, and I’m praying blessings over each of you too,” she said.
“I’ll never forget this kindness.”
The campaign is another example of football supporters in Manicaland using their networks to respond to challenges affecting members of their wider community, demonstrating that the sport’s influence can extend well beyond the 90 minutes on the field.