MAVIS 'Gogo Mafidi' Mnangagwa is on the terraces for every match and she loves every minute of it.
The mother of Tourism and Hospitality Industry deputy minister and Member of Parliament for Hunyani Constituency, Tongai Mnangagwa, has been making her presence felt at Hunyani United's matches, both at home and away, as the team makes its mark in the Zifa Mashonaland East Division 2B.
It is clear that Gogo Mafidi is thoroughly enjoying herself, beaming with pride as she watches her son's sports initiative take shape. Hunyani United's unique approach to developing local talent has captured her heart, and she is not about to miss a match. Whether it is the thrill of a home win or the camaraderie of an away trip, Gogo Mafidi is there, soaking it all in.
As she makes her way through the crowds on matchdays, Gogo Mafidi's warm smile and infectious enthusiasm are winning over fans and players alike. And a mother to all on the day.
"When Tongai spoke about founding a football club, I laughed my lungs out because he has no footballing bones in his body. He never ever kicked a ball in his life," joked Gogo Mafidi in an exclusive interview with The Sports Hub on the sidelines of Hunyani's one-all draw away to Ruwa Community FC on Good Friday.
The energetic 69-year old wife to the late David Mnangagwa, President Emmerson Mnangagwa's younger brother, was born in Zambia where she met and married her future husband during the liberation struggle when the Mnangagwas where in exile.
All her children were born in Lusaka.
While President Mnangagwa has exhibited a genuine love for football over the years, his sister-in-law is a lover of all sport.
She encouraged her children to participate in sport from an early age but football was somehow the one sports code they did not take to yet her son, Tongai began the establishment of the Hunyani Sports Association with a football club.
"Tongai loved sports like rugby and cricket but when he explained to me his vision for the Hunyani community, I understood why he kicked it off with football. Many of the little ones I see when I drive around that community have obvious footballing talents, but no visible pathways to show what they have," she said.
"Football is the biggest sports code in the world and our children live football like the billions across the world."
It is no secret that Tongai is passionate about sports which is running of on his family, and his mother's presence is a boost to the team.
But it is more than just a family affair – Tongai is driving a community-first sports initiative that is all about nurturing local talent and promoting football in the region.
"I never played football in all my life but I have seen children as young as four years old fighting to play. My mother lives sport and it's her love for sport in general that made me look to giving these young ones something to aim for," revealed Tongai.
"To this end, we have already established and registered both men and women's football teams, netball team and soon we are holding trials for rugby. Our primary targets are athletes from the Constituency."
But its not just Gogo Mafidi and her boy who are supporting this initiative. The deputy minister's son and daughter are both actively involved with the football teams with Jeremy the chairperson of Hunyani United and daughter, Jamie-Lee the chairperson of Hunyani Queens FC.
The mnister's siblings, Kudzai, Ottria and Tarirai are also heavily committed to the initiative.
For Mnangagwa, sports is a powerful tool for bringing people together and building a stronger community. And with Gogo Mafidi leading the charge, it is clear that this is a family that is committed to making a difference. Hunyani United may be a new club, but with the Mnangagwa family's backing, it is already making waves in Zimbabwean football.
"Hunyani Sports Association is not about the Mnangagwas. Ours is to drive the initiative but without the community there is no initiative," Tongai said.
"I created it for the people which is why I insist that our coaches must favour locals ahead of all else."