By OnSport Reporter
It’s often said that a true sportsman can excel in any game, choosing only the one they love most. This adage rings true for Bulawayo Warriors left-back, Bright Dzowa.
We sat down with the 31-year-old defender, who enjoyed a solid season helping the Warriors to a sixth-place finish in their debut year in the country’s second division. While football is now his life, Dzowa’s path could have been very different; he was a promising cricketer selected for the Matabeleland Tuskers age-group teams before the beautiful game won his heart.
Dzowa was also part of the Bantu Rovers team that toured the United States for the prestigious Dallas Cup. OnSport Magazine (OM) caught up with Bright Dzowa (BD) to learn more about the dead ball specialist.
OM: Bright, thanks for your time. Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us about where you’re from and your family.
BD: I grew up in Bulawayo, in New Lobengula Township. I come from a family of seven. Football is definitely in the blood. My father’s name was Magson Phiri; he played for Corrugated Stars back in the day. My uncle, Madanisa Phiri, they used to call him Bhongo, played for Nkulumane Jumbos and Corrugated as well. I went to Inkanyezi Primary and Njube High School for my education.
OM: Football seems to be in the blood. When did you first discover your talent?
BD: To be honest, I came from a footballing family. My uncle was always pushing me towards the sport from when I was in Grade 3. He’s the one who really nurtured me in the beginning.
OM: What was the inspiration to take it seriously?
BD: The inspiration came from hearing stories about how good my dad and uncle were during their playing days. I felt I had to follow in their footsteps. My dad, may his soul rest in peace, was my biggest influence.
OM: You’ve had a well-travelled career. Which teams have you played for?
BD: I started at FMH Academy, then played for Bantu Rovers, Lobengula Stars, Amagagasi in Victoria Falls, Ajax Hotspurs, and Adachi. I’m currently with Bulawayo Warriors.
OM: And you’ve collected a few accolades along the way!
BD: Yes, I’ve been blessed. I was part of the Lobengula Stars team that earned promotion to Division 2. I was Player of the Year at FMH Academy in 2010 and 2011, Top Goal Scorer in Division 3 for the Under 16s in 2010, and again in Division 2 for the Under 18s in 2011. I also won Players’ Player of the Year in 2010.
OM: We heard a rumour you were a cricketer! Is it true you almost chose a different path?
BD: (Laughs) It’s true. I would probably be a cricket player. A friend introduced me to the sport in 5th grade and I fell in love with it. I was later selected for the Tuskers Under 13s, U14s, and U17 sides. I was even selected for an Under 13 tour to South Africa, but unfortunately, I didn’t have a passport. Back then, things were hard, and I had to juggle cricket, school, and football at the same time. After the Under 17 level, football came through for me.
OM: Speaking of different paths, are you related to Mpumelelo Dzowa by any chance?
BD: (Smiles) Mpumelelo Dzowa? We actually met in 2012 in Dallas and had a good talk. But no, we’re not related. He’s a nice guy, though!
OM: Let’s talk about something a bit different. How did your nickname ‘Nyonyo’ come about?
BD: (Laughs) Ah, Nyonyo! That name came about when I was a kid. During the off-season, I used to follow a social team in my hood that my uncle played for. I used to sneak out of the house to find myself watching them play. That’s how the name started.
OM: Let’s talk favourites. Who are your football idols, local and foreign?
BD: Locally, it’s Arthur Diego Musiwa (Bulawayo Chiefs). Internationally, it has to be Lionel Messi.
OM: And which teams do you support?
BD: I support Highlanders locally and Arsenal abroad.
OM: Away from the pitch, what motivates you and how do you relax?
BD: I find joy in quiet moments, unwinding and escaping into my favourite TV shows. That’s what really motivates me and helps me reset.
OM: Give us a taste of your favourites, like what’s your go-to meal and what’s on your playlist?
BD: My favourite food is rice and chicken, or pasta. For music, I’m a Hip-hop fan, but lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Afrobeat and Amapiano. My favourite artist is J. Cole.
OM: Looking ahead, what is your biggest ambition?
BD: My ambition is simple: to be better than I was yesterday.
OM: With all your experiences, what has been your most memorable moment in football so far?
BD: The most memorable moment has to be playing in the Dr Pepper Dallas Cup in Texas back in 2012 with Bantu Rovers. That was an incredible experience.
OM: Finally, what advice would you give to budding footballers in Zimbabwe?
BD: My advice is to stay humble, and always stay true to your family and friends. They are your foundation.
The One That Got Away: How Bright Dzowa Chose Football Over Cricket
