By Fanuel Viriri
Tears of a legend
A heartbreaking video of former Dynamos Football Club stalwart, Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe (pictured), has emerged online, plunging the local football fraternity into shock, sorrow and deep reflection.
In the video, which is credited to Rory Studios, the man once celebrated for his booming shots, the dead ball specialist, uncompromising tackles and rock-solid defending – both as a fearless player and later as a respected coach – is seen weeping uncontrollably as he narrates his painful and humbling ordeal. It’s heartbreaking penning this article at 4 am on a Sunday listening to equally troubling Domestic Issues programme with Tete Tilder and Dr Choga on Star FM.
Chuchu says he has gone for 10 months without paying rent of $20 per month.
It is a sight that is difficult to reconcile with the Chuchu we all knew. For those of us who have followed Zimbabwean football for the last two decades, this is more than just a video clip. It is a wound to the conscience of our game.
I have known Chuchu for over 25 years. I knew him in his heyday as a star player at Dynamos, when his name sent shivers down the spines of opposing strikers. His thunderous shot from distance, his leadership at the back, his never-say-die spirit – he was a defender who played like a warrior. He later transitioned to the touchline as a coach, carrying the same discipline, passion and unwavering dedication to the famous blue and white jersey.
He was the epitome of professionalism. For us in the media, he was a dream to work with – always generous with sound bites, always respectful, always ready to give us a story. For the fans on the terraces at Rufaro, Barbourfields and the National Sports Stadium, he was entertainment, he was assurance, he was Dynamos itself.
To see such a legend, such a larger-than-life figure, reduced to tears and worrying about rent, is a painful and brutal reminder of how cruel, lonely and unforgiving life after football can be in this country.
The video has understandably struck a chord with many Zimbabweans across the divide. On social media platforms, fans, former players and administrators have expressed sadness, disbelief and anger. How does a man who gave so much to the game end up like this? How does a national hero reach a point where he has to weep before a camera to be heard?
Chiweshe’s plight is not an isolated one. It is a story that has become far too familiar in Zimbabwean football. We have watched with pain as several former greats have fallen into abject poverty, battling illness, depression and neglect without any safety net. Our football system is excellent at using talent, but terrible at preserving it. We cheer the loudest when they are scoring and tackling, but we are silent when they are suffering.
Our legends should never have to weep in silence. They should never have to beg for dignity.
Chuchu gave his all for Dynamos and for Zimbabwean football. He wore the badge with pride. He entertained us during difficult times and inspired a whole generation of young defenders who wanted to be like him. For a man who gave us so many headlines, so many memorable sound bites for our stories as journalists, and so many moments of joy as fans, this is a very sad and sobering chapter.
This is therefore a compassionate and urgent plea to the entire football family.
We call upon ZIFA, Dynamos Football Club, the Premier Soccer League, the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ), former players, the corporate world and the Government to rally around one of our own. This is the time to show that football is indeed a family.
No amount is too small and no gesture is insignificant. It could be assistance with his rent arrears, a job opportunity within the game he loves so much, a coaching attachment, counselling and psychosocial support, or even a decent house as part of a legends’ housing scheme. Whatever we can do to restore dignity, hope and stability to a man who gave us so many proud and unforgettable moments is worth doing.
Let us move beyond pity and social media comments and offer real, tangible help. Likes and shares will not pay his rent. Action will.
Today it is Chuchu. Tomorrow it could be another hero who once made us stand and chant his name until our voices went hoarse. If we do not act now, we risk normalising the neglect of our heroes until we are left with no heroes at all.
Let us not wait until it is too late to honour our legends. Let us not wait to eulogise them beautifully at their funerals when we failed to help them in life.
Elvis “Chuchu” Chiweshe deserves better. Our football deserves better.
May this video be the wake-up call that finally pushes us to build proper welfare, pension and empowerment structures for our footballers – during and after their playing days.
To the Dynamos family, the Blue Army that Chuchu served with distinction – your legend needs you now more than ever.
Let’s save our legend.
