DYNAMOS legend Roderick Mutuma is regretting missed career opportunities due to drugs and substance misuse.
Nicknamed ‘The Prince’, Mutuma is one of the few footballers to have played for all the major local teams, namely CAPS United, Dynamos and Highlanders.
Born and bred in Mvuma, Mutuma had a lengthy career which saw him going to South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he played for Bloemfontein Celtic and FC Lupopo respectively.
He bloomed into stardom while playing for Dynamos, a club he helped to win two league titles in 2011 and 2012 before he left to cross to neighbouring South Africa, where he spent two seasons.
The Prince then returned home in 2015 going for a new stint which saw him becoming the most nomadic player in local football as he switched base from one club to another, indiscipline being the most contributing factor.
“If you are abusing drugs in football you will not go anywhere. Abusing drugs even cost me and failed me to go places with my talent.
“The closest example of how drugs and substance abuse can fail a footballer is myself.
“As you know, I was a talented footballer but l destroyed my own career,” said Mutuma in an interview with football pundit Alois Bunjira on Zim Soccer Net.
The former Warriors striker imprinted his name in local football history in 2011 when he won the Golden Boot award after finishing as the league’s top goal scorer with 14 goals.
Increase in drugs and substance abuse amongst Zimbabwean athletes is proving to be a challenge.
Government through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is currently pushing an Integrity Bill that was tabled before Parliament early this year.
The proposed new law is aimed at curbing drugs and substance misuse amongst athletes in the country. — NewZimbabwe
