By Tendai Makaripe
Bulawayo-based youth football coach Daniel Robson Chigiya is using grassroots football in Zimbabwe to create pathways for young players through his work at Nkulumane High School and River Plate Football Club.
His coaching journey began unexpectedly in 2019 when a group of neighbourhood boys asked him to teach them how to play football.
Chigiya initially refused. He had never coached a team and did not believe he was ready for the responsibility.
Seven years later, that request has grown into a youth development programme that is helping young players move from community football to school nationals, Division 1 and national junior football.
One of Chigiya’s biggest success stories is Munyaradzi Blessed Hove, popularly known as “Yellow Machine,” whom he started coaching in 2023. Hove has since earned selection to the Zimbabwe Under-20 squad.
Hove has since earned selection to the Zimbabwe Under-20 squad after consistently featuring in selection processes during National Association of Secondary Heads tournaments.
“I started coaching him in 2023, and from the beginning I could see that he had something special in him,” Chigiya said.
“For me, that was a very proud moment because I have watched his journey and development since 2023.”
Chigiya also coaches Nkulumane High School, where he has helped build a football programme focused on discipline, consistency and player development.
In his first year at the school, the Under-17 team reached the provincial stage.
This year, Nkulumane progressed further, with both its Under-17 and Under-20 teams reaching the national stage.
Away from school football, Chigiya runs River Plate Football Club, which has teams at Under-10, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15, Under-17 and Under-20 levels, as well as a Division 3 side.
The club also hopes to introduce girls’ football, which would widen opportunities for young players in the community.
Another player developed under Chigiya, Effort Ncube, later joined Division 1 side Imbizo FC.
Chigiya said talent alone is not enough to build a successful football career.
“I look for discipline, respect, commitment, hard work and a willingness to learn,” he said. “A talented player without discipline can struggle to go far.”
He also encourages young players to take education seriously because football does not guarantee a long-term career.
Chigiya believes grassroots football in Zimbabwe still faces challenges, including limited equipment, poor facilities, transport costs, lack of exposure and inadequate financial support.
He said schools, companies, football organisations and communities can help by investing in grassroots structures and creating clear pathways for young players.
“If we can identify talent early, develop it properly, connect them to the right people and give them opportunities to be seen, I believe more young footballers in Zimbabwe can realise their potential,” Chigiya said.
