Onward Gangata
“The Crew behind the scenes” is a phrase mainly popularized by broadcasters as part of their epilogue to television and radio programs.
This is the part when presenters thank those working behind the scenes for the success of the program.
The phrase though, is not exclusive to broadcasting, it applies to sport as well.
Success in sport is usually attributed to the individual brilliance of the star player or the master stroke by the shrewd coach.
Little credit is given to those who put in a shift to ensure players are available and ready to play.
TelOne’s remarkable perfomance last year in which they finished fifth on the log standings – their best finish ever, is largely credited to striker Washington Navaya’s exploits.
But behind the striker was a team that worked round the clock preparing and conditioning the striker to perform at his optimum best.
This is the duo of team medic Felix ‘Painter’ Magarinya and Physio Matidashe Dube.
“We are used to not being in the limelight,” Magarinya told The Echo Sports.
“Our job is to make sure the players are fit and available for selection, we don’t really care much that people don’t talk about us.
“Personally I have been a medic for nearly two decades, the job is to protect the players by keeping them fit and healthy.”
The 42 year old has been with the Wifi Boys since 2014 when the team was still in the lower divisions.
He is a veteran of the trade who previously served in the same role at now defunct BVM, Chapungu and Gweru Pirates.
Magarinya and Dube have a strong connection and have been a present feature in the Wifi Boys medical team since 2019.
The Secret behind the success
“The secret has been just admitting that you don’t know everything and be willing to learn from others,” Dube chipped in.
It has been a hectic three weeks for the pair as the team is preparing for the forthcoming season.
Pre-season is usually the most difficult time for medical teams in the sports field.
“It’s been hectic for the past few weeks,”added Dube, “Much of our work has been to observe, assess and diagnose injuries during training.
“There are a lot of muscle injuries during this time of the season and players being players at times try to shake off or hide these injuries.
“Groin injuries are the worst at this time when surfaces are slippery, players tend to over stretch which damages the groin.”
Obstacles in the way
But the job has not come without obstacles for Dube who recalls how she had to work twice as much to get the respect from colleagues.
She says her work relationship with Magarinya has grown stronger because of the mutual respect and keeping focused on the job.
“At first I had a lot of challenges getting recognition and respect being the only female in the team.
“But that all vanished after I showed everyone that I was capable of executing my duties and naturally the respect was earned,” she recalled.
Magarinya added : “This is a very good space, we enjoy working with the team, when you are committed to your work and results back up your work, it gives everyone around that feel good factor.”
