IN the vibrant and bustling high-density suburb of Zengeza 2 Chitungwiza, a team of players with a shared passion for sport and a shared experience of disability, have come together to form a team like no other.
Ins pite of their hearing impairment through sport they have found a place where they can hear each other and they can also be heard.
Their love for sport became a beacon of hope and unity in the community.
With hand gestures, facial expressions and sometimes cries of enxiety and excitement they perfectly communicate on and off the pitch, proving that sport is a language that transcends words.
This is the story of the Deaf Panther Football and Silent Striker Netball, teams that have defied the odds and inspired a community to come together in support of their dreams.
Such is the hope and aspiration of Alois Tarehwa (29), the founder of the Chitungwiza Deaf Multi Sports Club, which was established in 2023 solely to empower the deaf athletes in sport.
“Our club is dedicated to empowering deaf athletes through inclusive sports opportunities. We are proud to own two key teams: the Silent Striker netball and the Deaf Panther football teams," he told The Sports Hub in an exclusive interview.
“We conduct our training sessions at Zengeza 2 ground in Chitungwiza, which provides a vibrant and supportive environment for our athletes. We are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive sports community, and we look forward to making a lasting impact through our teams.
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“My motivation comes from a deep desire to make a meaningful difference. I was inspired to step in and help bridge the gap in sports opportunities and representation for deaf individuals, based on my experience of seeing their lack of opportunities and representation.
“My goal is to establish a space for deaf athletes to thrive, feel included and showcase their abilities. It's incredibly rewarding to see the confidence and joy that sports bring to them and that keeps me motivated every day,” Tarehwa added.
And yet Tarehwa has managed this without formal coaching qualifications, but a mere leadership certificate.
It has been far from an easy journey to achieve what they have achieved in Chitungwiza so far.
Chitungwiza Deaf Multi Sports Club has has barely managed survive and be able to carry out duties day-in day-out from its formation through funding from churches and individual well-wishers.
“We have received support from various organizations and individuals, including local authorities and community leaders, who have been instrumental in our progress.
“A Roman Catholic Church priest at St Agnes parish Father Mberi generously provided a new soccer ball for the Deaf Panther Football team. We also received support for registering our teams in tournaments and leagues from Tawanda Chikono at the Chitungwiza Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture," Tarehwa revealed.
Just yesterday, Deaf Panthers Football Club received a kit donation from Sungura maestro Alick Macheso after he was moved by their passion and commitment to sport.
Silent Striker, a netball team for the deaf, is set to join the Chitungwiza Heart League for their first competitive match scheduled for August 24.
“As a club we held some friendly matches, particularly the Silent Striker Netball team played against St. Mary’s, Emerald Hill School for the Deaf and Danhiko. We secured victories against Danhiko and St. Mary’s, while Emerald Hill School for the deaf won against us. These matches have provided valuable experience and opportunities for growth,” he said
Although the club has made some positive strides, they have also found the going tough in their day-to-day running of sporting activities.
"Our main challenges include securing sufficient funding for transportation and other expenses, obtaining necessary sports equipment and uniforms, and increasing awareness and support for our teams.
“Managing logistics and organising events can be a challenge due to limited resources as the club has 50 players and need a budget of US$400 to keep the ship afloat. Despite these obstacles, we are dedicated to our mission and continue to seek solutions and support to overcome these obstacles,” the 29-year-old said.
By letting the deaf athletes compete with others, the club removed the misconception within the society that they are not capable of participating in other hearing athletes.
“We strive to challenge stereotypes by showcasing the abilities and achievements of deaf athletes, demonstrating that hearing loss does not limit one’s potential or capabilities.'
"One common misconception about deafness or hearing loss is that individuals with hearing impairments cannot lead active and successful lives or participate fully in sports and other activities. Another misconception is that deaf individuals cannot communicate effectively or understand complex concepts, which is untrue as many are highly skilled in sign language and other forms of communication,” he said.
In the long term, Tarehwa envisions the teams growing stronger and more competitive.
He aims to expand participation in regional and national league by building a larger support network and continue to empower deaf athletes, providing more opportunities and resources.
Ministry of Sport Chitungwiza district principal sport and recreation officer Tawanda Chikono says they open up avenues for people with hearing impairment to take part in sporting activities.
"What we mainly do is to create a platform for them to network and come together to play sports in order to prevent them from taking drugs," Chikono said.
As the sun sets over the swaying streets, Tarehwa smiles to himself, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Despite the challenges he faced as a deaf person in a predominantly hearing world, he has found his place and his passion in the vibrant community of Chitungwiza.
Through his love for sport and determination to succeed, Tarehwa has proven that being deaf was not a limitation, but rather a unique aspect of his identity.
