By OnSport Reporter
Consistency is a rare commodity in football, but for former Zimbabwe youth international Simba Madzivire, it became a trademark. The attacking talent consistently shone as one of the most promising players in the Southern Region Soccer League, turning heads with his intelligent play and eye for goal.
Recently, he opened a new chapter in 2025 taking his talents north, in the books of Northern Region Soccer League side Zambezi G&C.
OnSport Magazine (OM) sat down with the quiet but determined forward to trace his journey from the streets of Bulawayo to his current ambitions.
OM: Simba, thanks for joining us. Let’s go back to the beginning. Where did your story start?
SM: I was born on the 17th of September 2002. I grew up in the streets of Magwegwe North. I did my primary level at Fusi Primary School and went on to Sizane High, where I completed both my O and A Levels.
OM: When did you realize football was more than just a game for you?
SM: Just like any other kid growing up, we used to play for fun. But in those fun moments, I realized I actually loved soccer. That’s when I decided to seriously pursue it.
OM: Who helped shape your raw talent in those early days?
SM: At the grassroots level, it was the late Coach Dominic Coach Viri (Dominic Mubviri) of Mat Warriors FC. He gave me a tiresome time! He nurtured me and made sure I grasped all the basic drills so I could become a better player. His discipline was key.
OM: Who inspired your style of play and your dreams?
SM: Growing up, and even now, I’ve always admired the lifestyle and the quality of top players. I was particularly drawn to [Andrés] Iniesta. I always hoped to reach his level, and that’s a dream I’m still pursuing in my career.
OM: Take us through your career path so far.
SM: I started playing for Mat Warriors, then moved to FMSA Academy. From there, I went to play for the Highlanders reserve side (Bosso 90), and now I’m with Zambezi G&C FC in the Northern Region.
OM: What has been your most memorable moment on the pitch?
SM: The most memorable moment was playing for FMSA in the U17 team. I scored a brace that earned us the U17 provincial title. That performance also made me the league’s top goal scorer that season. Winning a championship as a key contributor is unforgettable.
OM: You’ve faced a setback, too. Can you tell us about that?
SM: My biggest setback was when I got injured while playing for Bosso 90. The injury sidelined me for almost half a season. But by God’s grace and through hard work in rehabilitation, I managed to bounce back fit for the second half of the season and helped the team.
OM: What achievements are you most proud of?
SM: Being a U17 champion and top goal scorer, being featured in the Southern Region Soccer League calendar for 2023, and also finishing as my team’s top goal scorer that same year.
OM: Who are your football idols?
SM: Locally, my favourite player is Devine Mhindirira. Internationally, it remains Iniesta.
OM: And the team you support?
SM: Manchester City.
OM: Let’s get to know Simba off the pitch. What’s a typical day like for you?
SM: I wake up preparing for training. After, I come back home to relax, watch Netflix, and wait for the next day.
OM: How do you unwind away from football?
SM: Outside of soccer, I’m someone who likes listening to music, especially the soulful type. It helps me unwind and meditate. I listen to a lot of Kelvin Momo.
OM: What’s your favourite meal to refuel?
SM: Spaghetti and chicken.
OM: We hear you have a nickname, Mdala? What’s the story there?
SM: (Laughs) Yes, a lot of people call me Mdala. They believe my style of play, at times, is that of an older, more experienced person.
OM: What is your core motivation when times get hard?
SM: The main aim for me playing soccer is to live a better life and ensure that my family is well catered for. So in hard times, I push extra hard to achieve that goal.
OM: How would you describe your personal philosophy?
SM: I’m a quiet person who doesn’t usually mix with a lot of people. But when it comes to work, everyone is my friend because we are all working to achieve the same goal.
OM: What is the ultimate dream you’re chasing?
SM: My ultimate dream is to go play abroad and earn more caps for the national team.
OM: If football hadn’t called, what would you be doing?
SM: I would be pursuing my academics fully.
OM: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
SM: The best advice came from my former coach, Dazzy Kapenya: “No matter what life throws at you, you have to soldier on and make sure you achieve your goal.”
OM: Finally, what’s your advice for young players starting their journey?
SM: Never give up, because nothing comes easy. You have to always work hard to achieve your goals.
From Magwegwe to the Grand Stage: The Journey of Simba Madzivire
