Blessing Gumiso Goes Regional, Remembers Home

By Branton Matondo

Former Highlanders Fc and Mutare born ball distributor Blessing “Gumi Gumi” Gumiso is spurring football development in South Africa but has plans to enrich football roots back home.

Gumiso’s Egoli grassroots endeavors are based in Johannesburg and he is actually enriching his entrepreneurial academy through various age variations in both boy and girl formats.

“Yes, I am a soccer coach for Acacia School football team and l went on to form my own academy called Northriding Grassroots Soccer Development. Its a grassroots development academy ranging from 5 years old players to 20 year olds for both boys and girls. I have two assistant coaches,” said Gumiso.

Most of the age variations, especially the older players are part of the Rand Central League, a football league in South Africa that buds with you talent.

The former four time league champion (1998-2002) with Bosso said that he is remembering home, Mutare to be exact and how he will enhance football development there.

“Definitely, I have a plan on how l will pursue talent development in Mutare. A setup is already underway and l have successfully amassed some football fanatics from Mutare so as to kick start junior development back home,” he added.

So far Gumiso has managed to invite soccer greats like former Highlanders Fc legend Alexander Maseko as well as former Orlando Pirates defender and captain Lucky Lekwathi to his training session so that the kids can listen to voices of wisdom.

Gumiso asserted that its very important that former players preach football development both regionally and locally.

“Its very important that we pursue junior development at such a tender age because its important to pass what we experienced. Thats experience is very important,” he added.

“Sekuru Mutare”, as he was affectionately known at Babourfields said that he was inspired to play football by the former Under 23 national player and Tanganda Fc captain, the late Ian Matondo.

“Every footballing journey has a beginning and Ian Matondo gave me that start. He groomed me, taught me and enrolled me when he was coaching at Tanganda Fc. I honor him a lot,” he said.