A dream that started in the backyard is taking a boy who used to sell airtime and second-hand shoes to make ends meet in the streets of Marondera to new heights.
Marondera is a small town to the east of Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, and it’s one of the coldest parts of the country. But from that small and cold area, there is a boy with a big heart and a heartwarming story.
Kudzai Mutiti might not be as famous as those who are known all over the world, but his story has put the world on notice. This includes an invitation to speak at the Youth Entrepreneur Summit in New York and addressing a school in Christchurch, New Zealand.
I was fascinated to know who this young man was. He comes from Marondera and loves cricket so much that he started an Academy in the backyard of their family home. This backyard Academy is named Hokima.
“(Hokhma) It is a Hebrew word which means wisdom,” explained Mutiti.
“Above all, we prayed for wisdom from the Almighty, wisdom in our way of operations, in our way of expression, and wisdom for us to be able to shape the next generation of Zimbabwean sportspeople. We pride ourselves as mentors to the youngsters, and for that, you need wisdom, so yeah, that’s where the name originated from.” – said the 31-year-old.
Hokima was established four years ago and is already making big strides.
“…having started in the backyard with three boys to now housing over 50 boys is a huge achievement,” reckons Mutiti.
“Seeing young boys’ lives being changed by this beautiful game of cricket is my biggest achievement so far, and also winning the Southern Africa award (FOYA Social Founder of The Year 2023) showed we are heading in the right direction.”
Hokima has produced players worthy of scholarships.
“In 2016, I embarked on my coaching journey and got to work with some boys who were in grade two or three. Five of them went on to represent Zimbabwe at the under 14 age group, and seven of these boys got cricket scholarships in some of Zimbabwe’s top private schools.”
Mutiti has been invited to share his story in New York and also in Christchurch, New Zealand this year.
“There has been high traffic on my LinkedIn account ever since my documentary came out. I was approached by an American organization, which will be hosting its first summit this year in November with over 63 countries expected to be there.”
“We will have the privilege to share our story and get an opportunity to network with other young entrepreneurs.“
“Funny enough, I did my primary school at Nyameni Primary School, and with my peers, we always jokingly said, ‘I learn in New York, not Nyameni.’ For me to finally visit the real New York, I can only see it as God’s blessing.”
“In New Zealand, I was invited by a private school to share my story in the game of cricket and share my documentary as well. It all seems to be a fairy tale to me that this is all happening. I am grateful to stand on these platforms.”
Mutiti believes the challenges he has encountered have shaped his character.
“Coming from a small town like Marondera may result in feeling culturally isolated or disconnected from mainstream culture, as there may be fewer opportunities to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences. But despite this limitation, coming from an unknown place can also foster resilience, resourcefulness, and a unique perspective on the world, which can be valuable assets in navigating challenges and pursuing success.”
“Looking back now, I feel like that was the most important part of my life. I have always been a firm believer in using your hands to work. During that time, I would do all sorts, from selling airtime to selling second-hand shoes from Mozambique, to be able to fend for myself as a young man and also help around with what was needed, as my dad had fallen sick at the time. So I had to be innovative so that I could help my mom out around the house. I call it the university of life; it throws some real unexpected short arm jabs that are painful, but I truly believe that a true warrior is seen by his scars.”
Mutiti has a sport management diploma and a Zimbabwe Cricket Level 1 coaching certificate and is currently working to add an ECB coaching certificate in England, where he is playing club cricket for Great Houghton in Northamptonshire.
“England has been absolutely enjoyable despite the weather conditions. Visiting the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground, networking opportunities have come because I am playing cricket in the UK. Going around for cricket stadium tours and getting ideas for the Hokima project at home. I have become confident in my skills and will continue to harness my skills.
Mutiti isn’t done dreaming.
“I believe we will have our cricket ground and a world-class facility that will one day host my beloved country Zimbabwe. We will continue to create platforms for young cricketers to benefit both on and off the field of play. The year 2023 saw us having our first girls showing up for cricket, which was so good to see as it supports diversity within the game of cricket.”
