SIMBARASHE MTEMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – It was a befitting memorial as Guzzlers FC romped to a 3-1 victory over Mustaph FC in the Clayton ‘Cletso Mukanya’ memorial match played at Victoria High School grounds on Saturday.
Guzzlers dedicated its victory to Clayton who was the team’s captain, match organiser and roving left back before his untimely death in January this year.
The memorial was attended by close to 60 people, notably Clayton’s relatives led by his mother Chiedza Mujeuri, lawyers including former Masvingo Mayor Collen Maboke, Philip Shumba, Johannes Ruvengo, prosecutor Edwin Mbavarira and senior journalist Godfrey Mutimba among others.
Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe later joined the memorial at Wimpy where Clayton’s friends and colleagues reflected on his life.
Clayton’s mother said the family is overwhelmed by the support and gesture shown by her son’s friends and companions.
“I am grateful. I am humbled by what his friends have done. It means a lot for us as a family to know that he left a landmark with his friends. They remembered him well and we are proud to know that his friends remember him,” she said.
Mutimba said the score line is a befitting remembrance and tribute to Clayton.
“This event was very important to us because it gave us the opportunity to remember his contribution to sport as a player and as an avid sports journalist. The event was a success. His friends came from all over and we were elated when his relatives attended and cheered the game,” said Mutimba.
Shumba who is a Real Guzzlers player said Clayton was a leader par excellence. He said Clayton also managed the team’s affair and matches.
“Clayton was a leader in the sense that he captained our team and an organiser par excellence. He handled game logistics. We saw it befitting to hold this match to honour our captain and leader,” said Shumba.
Mustaph FC manager, Collen Maboke said the club participated in the memorial match because Clayton was a friend of football and a jolly journalist who supported grassroots football.
“We decided to participate in this memorial because we played football with Clayton and he always covered our football matches. His death pains us and we saw it fit to remember our friend and a journalist we worked harmoniously with,” said Maboke.