Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MALVERN Dumbura’s football career is a testament to perseverance, as a man who defied stereotypes and odds.
From his early days playing for Eastern Lions to his current stint with Tenax, Dumbura has navigated the ups and downs of the beautiful game with remarkable resilience.
Dumbura’s love affair with football began at a tender age, and he was soon enrolled at Mutare Boys High, where his talent as a teenager caught the attention of Eastern Lions coaches Saul Chaminuka, Taurai Mangwiro, and Brenna Msiska.
A chance opportunity to train with the team led to his eventual signing, marking the beginning of an illustrious career
Despite facing challenges, including being a bench warmer in his early days, 2007, Dumbura persevered, and his big break came when he equalised against Eagles in a CBZ Cup semi-final match in 2008.
“I was just 19 years old after finishing school in 2007 and as I was on the bench I was contemplating that I couldn’t play on that level due to the intensity of the match and the team was trailing.
“I was surprised to see the coach calling to bring me and giving me instructions on the touchline. It didn’t take that long, and the ball came along my path and I buried it home for the equalising goal. We went on to win the match in extra time,” he said.
This pivotal moment catapulted him to fame, earning him a move to Eagles and subsequently to Monomutapa.
Dumbura’s career has been marked by notable milestones, including being called up to the Under-23 national team, playing in the top-flight with Eastern Lions, Buffaloes, Monomutapa, and helping Tenax promoted in the top-flight.
However, it is his long-standing association with Tenax that has brought him the most joy since joining in 2013
Throughout his journey, Dumbura has drawn inspiration from football legends Maxwell ‘Marhino’ Dube and Ghanaian Agogo, who, like him, defied physical limitations to achieve greatness.
He also cherishes the guidance of coaches like Saul Chaminuka and the late Friday Phiri, who helped shape his career.
“I played under many coaches and I appreciate them very much. But it was Saul Chaminuka who introduced me to the big boys and taking the risk on a young talent, that means a lot.
“However, it was the late Friday Phiri who gave me more game time at Eagles to establish myself, I played all the league games at Eagles and it’s what every footballer dreams of,” said Dumbura.
As Dumbura contemplates retirement, he reflects on his biggest regret, returning to Mutare after stints with Harare teams, which he believes hindered his career progression.
Nevertheless, he remains proud of his achievements and is grateful for the opportunities he has had.
“After having stints with Eagles and Monomotapa I think I should have stayed with Harare teams rather than returning to Mutare because my career then plunged a bit but whatever I achieved with Tenax covered it up for me.”
To aspiring young footballers, Dumbura offers words of encouragement,
“Don’t lose hope. God has the final say in all our endeavors, so keep going, no matter how difficult it may seem.”
As Dumbura prepares for the next chapter of his life, he is already planning his transition into football management, having completed his Level One coaching badge.
“And now I think my playing days are coming to an end, I think as a footballer I have seen.
“So I think I will be retiring soon but I have to first seek out things with my employers.
“I see myself as a manager hence I want to prepare myself in that line,” he said.
