By T.R. Manyanye (CSPRO SPORTS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER)
Football is and has been a beautiful game, some refer it to as football whilst others soccer. The beautiful game has evolved over the years some will say over decades and centuries respectively. The game has produced some of the finest stars over the years and some have been produced through youth levels for instance FC Barcelona’s La Masia in Spain, which has produced the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Pique to mention but a few. All these stars and their respective clubs have proved inspirational to many youths around Zimbabwe and the world as a global village. With that in mind, football proves to be fundamental in different aspects of life for youngsters and Tinotenda Bradley Katumba “Binso” is no exception.
The CSPRO Academy developmental team managed to catch up with “Binso” for an interview recently. In the interview below “Binso” managed to open up about how he grew up, his ambitions, motivation, inspiration, and what he, as an individual aims to achieve and accomplish in all his future endeavors.
TRM: Tell us about yourself and your background?
TBK: I’m called Tinotenda Bradley Katumba friends and families around me call me “Binso” as my nickname. I was born in a family of two and I’m the first born son in my family followed by my little sister, I live with my mother and my father passed whilst I was less than 3 years old. I’m 17 years old now and was born on the 16th of May 2005 here in Chitungwiza my hometown. For primary education, I did my studies at Tafadzwa Primary School and later did my secondary education at Seke 1 High School.
TRM: What is your favorite food?
TBK: I really do love traditional food because it’s natural and I feel it makes me stronger and fit. In short, my favorite dish; if brought to the table is Sadza and Zondo (cow legs)
TRM: Besides playing football, what can make your day?
TBK: I’m that kind of person who likes playing games and FIFA or PES is my favorite and to me, it’s more like a hobby. I can play it alone or with friends all day long and I wouldn’t mind playing this game. I’m someone who can grasp something easily and that is what makes me more to be someone who loves games because within a short space of time I will be up and running as far as that game is concerned.
TRM: What inspired you to be a football player?
TBK: Growing up all I have ever wanted is to be a footballer and I love the sport very much. Each and every day I’m so motivated of waking up and going to training because I love this game with all my heart. Furthermore, my late father was and will always be my hero as far as the beautiful game is concerned, he played for Caps United his name was Silent Katumba. I will always dream to surpass his achievements as far as the game is concerned and I aim to even play in Europe one of these good days. Coach M. Zengeni is also my inspiration due to the fact that he also played with my father, now he is my coach and he makes me love the game even more.
TRM: What do you aspire to be in the near future?
TBK: If God is by my side and if I work hard enough, I want to become a professional footballer and if I do not make it as a professional footballer, I want to work on getting a better qualification which I will use to help my family financially because I feel my mom is now tired. She has been the breadwinner for a long time now and I want her to rest. When I make it, I want to become the man to provide for my family because what we have gone through over the years should just be history.
TRM: How did you hear about this CSPRO Academy in the area and what influenced you to join the Academy?
TBK: Before I joined the academy or knew anything to do with CSPRO Academy we used to be trained by Coach M. Zengeni at the community ground opposite the community Hall in Unit L, Chitungwiza. On one of those good days Coach M. Zengeni told us about this new academy and him as a father figure to me, I listened and followed his recommendation and that’s how I joined the academy at its inception. I was also happy to hear that the academy was going to use my High School (Seke 1 High School) as our home ground. All these facts were influential and managed to convince me to become a CSPRO Academy player.
TRM: After you joined the Academy tell me why you like CSPRO Academy?
TBK: CSPRO Academy is totally different from other teams or soccer academies here in Chitungwiza or any other in the country. This is so because we are at a soccer academy that teaches us to prioritize education and football. The Coach and other staff members tell us each day that these two work together and the academy also teaches us to do away with things such as drugs and anything which our parents do not want us to do as children. Plus, we have better standards and resources which we use in training and during games, all these make me like CSPRO Academy to this extent. At CSPRO Academy we also have the freedom to express our talents by training and playing games week in, and week out. Sometimes we go as far as Harare and other surrounding areas to play football, this gives us the opportunity to see other areas and gain experience with playing football.
TRM: Thank you “Binso” for your time have a blessed day and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors..!!!!
TBK: Same to you. I pray that one day it shall be great.