Muduwa Turns Grassroots Football into Weapon Against Drugs, Early Marriages

Online Reporter

COMMUNITY leader and philanthropist Ernest Muduwa is turning grassroots football into a powerful tool for combating drug and substance abuse, early marriages and other social ills affecting young people in Seke and Harava West.

Through his company, Dynasty Freight Services, Muduwa recently sponsored the Dynasty Cup finals at Manchester Murape Grounds near Ziko Shopping Centre in Seke, Chitungwiza, where Murape Rovers were crowned champions after defeating Orlando Pirates in the final.

For Muduwa, investing in community football goes beyond entertainment and competition. He sees the sport as a practical way of keeping young people engaged, nurturing their talents and steering them away from activities that threaten their future.

“I sponsor football because I want to take youths out of drugs and early marriages. We have a responsibility as a community to protect our young people and give them something meaningful to do with their time,” said Muduwa.

“Football gives them an opportunity to develop their talent, build discipline and work towards a better future. If we keep them occupied through sport, we can help steer them away from drugs and other harmful activities.”

His sponsorship of the Dynasty Cup forms part of broader efforts to promote youth development, encourage responsible behaviour and strengthen social cohesion through sport in Seke and Harava West.

Beyond the tournament, Muduwa supports the Harava West League, which brings together 22 teams and provides a competitive platform for players of different ages to showcase their abilities. The league also fosters unity and healthy competition among communities.

Through his backing of Dynasty Academy, he is further helping aspiring footballers access structured training, coaching and equipment to sharpen their skills and improve their prospects of progressing in the game.

The initiatives reflect Muduwa’s belief that grassroots football can serve as a pathway to personal development while helping communities confront challenges such as substance abuse, idleness and limited opportunities for young people.

His contribution to community sport has earned him recognition, including the Sport Impact Award at The List Awards, in acknowledgement of his efforts to support grassroots football and youth development.

Muduwa maintains that sustained investment in local football can achieve more than identifying sporting talent. It can also help create safer, more productive environments in which young people develop discipline, teamwork and a sense of purpose.

The Dynasty Cup final offered local players another opportunity to compete and demonstrate their abilities, while highlighting the role individuals and businesses can play in strengthening community sport.

As grassroots football continues to attract young people across Seke and Harava West, Muduwa hopes more stakeholders will join the initiative, helping transform the game into a vehicle for positive social change and a brighter future for the next generation.

##JournalistsWithoutBorders##