IN recent weeks there have been growing calls for Prophet Walter Magaya to throw his hat into the race for the Zifa presidency.
The latest football constituency to add their voice to those calls were the Women Soccer League who pleaded with him to step into the race following the successful hosting of the inaugural Heart Women Soccer Tournament.
As the Prophet weighs his options ahead of the expected announcement of his final decision in October, here are 101 things he has done for local football and sports in general over the course of the last two decades.
- 2005 – He demonstrated his early dedication to sports development by funding local grassroots football tournaments in the community of Chitungwiza.
- 2005 – 2008 – Served as Technical Director and Sports Administrator at AGS Chitungwiza FC.
- 2008 – He became an IT Administrator for Gunners Football Club, a local team in Zimbabwe.
- 2009 – Gunners Football Club made history by winning the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League while Prophet Magaya was an IT Administrator there.
- 2010 – Gunners Football Club went on to take part in the esteemed CAF Champions League in Africa with Prophet Magaya being a part of the administrative team at the club.
- 29 June 2024 – Quote about Prophet Magaya from Willard Katsande, former Gunners, Warriors and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder – “His passion to make Zim football better has been praiseworthy, something I saw during the days I worked with him at Gunners. He was a key figure when Gunners won the championship in 2009”
- 2009-2010 – He played a key role in marketing players like Willard Katsande, Ovidy Karuru, Carlington Nyadombo, and Zhaimu Jambo, who subsequently enjoyed successful careers outside of Zimbabwe.
- He established Yadah Gunners in 2013, investing $600,000 to support the entire project.
- 9 September 2014 – The Northern Region Division One tournament, sponsored by Prophet Magaya with US$30,000, had its funds received by the then ZIFA Northern Region Chairman, the late Willard Manyengavana.
- 18 August 2015 – Prophet Magaya, donated US $40,000 worth of kits to all the provincial soccer teams participating in the youth games.
- During Cuthbert Dube’s time as ZIFA President, Prophet Magaya consistently offered financial backing in the tens of thousands for all national teams.
- 12 April 2015 – Availed a US $28,000 sponsorship for the Mighty Warriors
- 12 April 2015 – Prophet Magaya stepped in to assist ZIFA by servicing the $67,000 debt owed to former Warriors coach, Brazilian-born Valinhos, thus avoiding a FIFA ban.
- 12 April 2015 – on the same day, Prophet Magaya spent tens of thousands of dollars to service the debt owed by ZIFA.
- 14 May 2015 – Prophet Magaya donated US$ 54,000 to cover the Warriors’ expenses in South Africa for COSAFA.
- 22 May 2015 – Played significant role by providing accommodation worth US $65,000 and funding for the Mighty Warriors ahead of a crucial Olympic qualifier match against Zambia
- 12 June 2015 –Provided a last-minute rescue package for the Warriors by paying the players and technical staff their allowances and match fees ensuring that the senior national team could fulfil their 2017 Nations Cup tie against Malawi.
- 7 September 2015 – Provided US $50,000 to ensure the Warriors played in their Nations Cup Qualifier against Guinea after the team had gone on strike over unpaid allowances.
- 2016 – Yadah FC was created from Yadah Gunners and in their first season won the Eastern Region Division One Title and gained promotion to the domestic topflight
- 2017 to Present Date – Yadah FC have been present in the Premier Soccer League continuously.
- Yadah FC National Team Representation – over the years, Yadah FC has contributed players that have been called up for national duty such as Leroy Mavunga, Jimmy Dzingai, Lennox Mucheto and Khama Billiat.
- 2013 to Present Date –In addition, Prophet Walter Magaya’s dedication to sports is evident in his support for the Yadah Queens women’s football team.
- In January 2017, he sought permission to upgrade Chibuku Stadium to world-class standards, but the Chitungwiza Council rejected his proposal.
- 2017 – After being blocked by Chitungwiza Town Councillors in his attempt to renovate Chibuku Stadium, he turned to Gwanzura, only to face the same challenges there as well.
- 6 December 2019 – Prophet Magaya made a request to assist in the maintenance of the National Sports Stadium (free of charge) by providing equipment and manpower to fix the bumpy turf.
- 13 June 2017 – Before their 3-0 victory against Liberia, Prophet Magaya hosted the Warriors for a two-week camp in the VVIP section of Yadah Hotel at a cost of US $120,000.
- 13 June 2017 – The Warriors received a US $50,000 bonus from Prophet Magaya as a gesture of appreciation.
- 29 June 2017 – Former Zimbabwe captain Benjani Mwaruwari visited the Yadah Hotel Complex in Harare to express his gratitude to Prophet Magaya for accommodating the Warriors prior to their 2019 AFCON qualifier against Liberia.
- 13 July 2017 – The Warriors lodged at Yadah Hotel before their CHAN qualifier against Namibia, incurring a cost of US $65,000.
- 1 September 2017 – Then ZIFA president Dr. Philip Chiyangwa highlighted Prophet Magaya’s crucial role in helping him manage the challenges of improving Zimbabwean football.
- 8 November 2017 – Prophet Magaya was designated as the chief liaison officer for the Zimbabwe Legends team for their exhibition match against the Barcelona Legends at the National Sports Stadium.
- 11 November 2017 – The Yadah Hotel Complex in Harare was the venue where Prophet Magaya hosted the Zimbabwe Legends and Barcelona Legends teams. He contributed US $138,000 to facilitate the allowances for the Zimbabwe Legends, Barcelona Legends and subsequently the World Legends.
- 12 November 2017 – Prophet Magaya played in the match against Barcelona Legends at the National Sports Stadium.
- 6 December 2017 –Magaya funded the President’s Cup match between Zimbabwe and Zambia to celebrate His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s rise to power.
- 30 May 2018 – Prophet Walter Magaya commended coach Sunday Chidzambwa for selecting a stellar team for the COSAFA Cup. He has been a significant benefactor, providing financial and logistical support to the national team.
- 13 June 2018 – Prophet Magaya aimed to sponsor the COSAFA Cup, seeing it as a powerful vehicle for promoting unity and happiness across Southern Africa. Magaya hosted the Warriors at his Yadah Hotel complex and promised financial incentives for their success.
- 20 June 2018 – World Class Legends Match: Prophet Magaya appeared as a Guest Player and netted a penalty when Zimbabwe Legends faced the World Legends at the National Sports Stadium. The World Legends team included stars like Gianluca Zambrotta, Fernando Morientes, and Ruben de la Red.
- 4 September 2018 – Prophet Magaya funded the entire cost of the Warriors’ training camp as they prepared for the resumption of their 2019 AFCON qualifiers at a cost of US $65,000
- 18 March 2019 – The Young Warriors decided to leave the ZIFA Village due to poor living conditions and moved to Prophet Magaya’s Yadah Hotel, which offered better facilities.
- 25 August 2019 – Prophet Magaya supported the Mighty Warriors by providing better accommodation ahead of their Olympic qualifier match against Zambia.
- 28 August 2019 – ZIFA praised Prophet Magaya for providing accommodation for the Mighty Warriors ahead of their Women Olympic qualifier against Zambia’s She-polopolo.
- August 2019 – Prophet Magaya’s support helped ZIFA save around $462,000 on national team expenses.
- 28 August 2019 – Magaya had earlier provided accommodation for the Warriors ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Somalia.
- 27 June 2021 – Edmore ‘ZiKeeper’ Sibanda appreciated Prophet Magaya for the immense contribution he made to his career
STARTING FROM MARCH 2020, participation in international football contests significantly dropped, first because of the COVID-19 outbreak and later due to Zimbabwe’s suspension from international play by FIFA, which continued from February 2022 until July 2023.
- 10 December 2023 – The Heart Stadium (Zimbabwe): After completion of the first phase of construction, the stadium was officially opened by His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa.
- 10 December 2024 – Quote from His Excellency President Mnangagwa about The Heart Stadium, “I didn’t know that we have such a nice place here in Waterfalls. Magaya has a great mind and that is very encouraging. That means we have people here in Zimbabwe, who always fulfil our philosophy; ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’
- 8 December 2023 – It was reported that Prophet Magaya sold several of his prime assets to fund the construction of the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare.
- Ongoing Construction of The Heart Stadium – Expansion of the facility is underway, but currently it can accommodate 5000 spectators on bucket seats and has a suspended pitch ensuring proper drainage.
- 10 December 2023 – Quote from SRC Board Chairman Gerald Mlotshwa about The Heart Stadium – “You have set the pace; it is our expectation that more will follow. This is a well thought out addition to our existing stadia. I urge you to continue in this trajectory, the sector is indeed open for business.”
- Sports Villas – Enveloped within the sprawling expanse of The Heart Stadium is a five-star haven – The Heart Stadium’s Sports’ Villas which were also officially opened by President Mnangagwa.
- In tribute to sports legends, a wall of fame at The Heart Stadium celebrates Zimbabwean icons like The Hon. Kirsty Coventry, Peter Ndlovu, Cara Black, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, Adam Ndlovu, George Chigova, Benjani Mwaruwari, and more.
- 14 June 2024 – Warriors Captain and Luton Town midfielder Marvellous Nakamba toured and was impressed by The Heart Stadium.
- 4 July 2024 – Quote about The Heart Stadium from FC Nantes and Warriors forward Tino Kadewere – “I have played for a number of clubs and what I saw at the Heart Stadium is exceptionally excellent. The dressing rooms and the medical room, ungati watove kuEngland and I feel like putting on my jersey to play.”
- 29th of January 2024 – The Heart Stadium 2 (Maputo, Mozambique) Prophet Magaya proceeded to construct and officially open The Heart Stadium 2 in Maputo.
- 7 July 2024 – The Heart Stadium 3 (Lilongwe, Malawi) – Prophet Magaya commissioned The Heart Stadium III which is under construction in Lilongwe.
- 8 July 2024 – Despite facing numerous roadblocks, Prophet Magaya reaffirmed his commitment to one day renovating Chibuku and Gwanzura Stadiums.
- 2024 Ongoing – He opened The Heart Stadium Main Arena and Arena B for use by the ZIFA Northern Region Soccer League Division One teams.
- THE HEART WOMEN’S SOCCER LEAGUE (16 August 2024) – Prophet Magaya made a historic contribution to women’s football by unveiling a sponsorship package worth US$ 320,000. This package included both league sponsorship and tournament sponsorship, marking the first time a significant sponsorship has been given in the women’s game.
- 18 August 2024 – The First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, strongly endorsed Prophet Magaya’s US$320,000 sponsorship for women’s football in Zimbabwe.
- The sponsorship package consisted of both league sponsorship and a tournament sponsorship
- 17-22 September 2024 – The knockout competition took place at The Heart Stadium, with all 16 teams staying at Yadah Hotel for a week, where they were provided with all meals.
- 2024 (Ongoing) – Women’s team playing in The Heart League are currently availed the opportunity to play their matches at The Heart Stadium.
- 8 January 2024 – Prophet Magaya placed a hand and contributed to the upgrade of Wadzanai Stadium.
- HEART NETBALL LEAGUE (2024) – Prophet Magaya began to sponsor The Heart Netball League
- 29 February 2024 – Prophet Magaya brought back Khama Billiat to the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League as a signing for Yadah FC and promised to help convince him to come out of international retirement.
- September 2024 – True to his promise, Magaya did play huge role in convincing one of the most talented Zimbabwean players of this generation to play for the Warriors again.
- Yadah Sports Academy (Ongoing) – Led by Prophet W. Magaya, the Academy is dedicated to nurturing young athletes across various sports through a holistic training approach.
- Yadah Sports Academy Scholarships – through the Academy, Prophet Magaya has been providing scholarships to various underprivileged but highly talented children.
- 9 September 2017 – Prophet Magaya welcomed more than 350 members of the Doma Tribe at Yadah Hotel, where they joined in a sports tournament and stayed for several days.
- Mhondoro Tournament (2018) – Prophet Magaya hosted a sports tournament involving 35 schools in Mhondoro, aiming to encourage youth athletes and foster community spirit. Each participating school was given sports kits. The Mhondoro Tournament and subsequent visit to Harare cost Prophet Magaya US $100,000.
- Mhondoro Tournament – after the initial Mhondoro Schools Tournament, he hosted the teams from Mhondoro at Yadah Hotel where they were accommodated and participated in another tournament.
- Seke 1 Schools Tournament (2018) – He bankrolled a schools sports tournament at Seke High School, with each participating school receiving kits.
- Seke 8 Primary School Kit Donation (2018) – Prophet Magaya donated sports kits to the school
- 13 July 2024 (Magaya Sports Tournament) – He hosted the Magaya Sports Tournament at Unit L Grounds in Chitungwiza featuring 16 teams participating in netball and soccer. Each team was given a free kit for participation with the top 3 teams receiving prize money.
- 4 December 2016 – Prophet Walter Magaya stepped in to assist the Zimbabwe national rugby team, the Sables, by paying their allowances.
His intervention ensured that the 27 players received their payments during their participation in the Regal Hotels Cup of Nations in Hong Kong.
- Prophet W. Magaya has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting athletes through various initiatives. Notably, from 2017 to 2023, he sponsored 13 athletes who have gone on to receive scholarships in the USA.
- 2024 – Prophet W. Magaya sent two athletes to the USA on scholarships.
- 17 October 2016 – Prophet Magaya formed the Yadah Athletics Club which he has bankrolled ever since.
- 29 June – 2 July 2017 – Prophet Magaya funded nine athletes who represented Zimbabwe in the 2017 African Junior Athletics Championships held in Algeria, covering all expenses such as flight tickets and accommodation.
80. 29 June – 2 July 2017 – Moreover, each athlete participating the 2017 African Junior Athletics Championships received a stipend of US $800. - 29 June – 2 July 2024 – Moreover, each athlete participating the 2017 African Junior Athletics Championships received a stipend of US $800.
- 2017 – He sponsored 14 athletes and Team Harare for the Zimbabwe National Youth Games in Hwange.
- 10-15 July 2018 – In addition, Prophet Magaya gave each athlete at the IAAF World U20 Championships US $1,000 for pocket money.
- 10-15 July 2018 – In addition, Prophet Magaya gave each athlete at the IAAF World U20 Championships $1,000 for pocket money.
- 1-5 August 2018 – He sponsored three athletes for the African Championships in Athletics held in Asaba, Nigeria at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
- 19-31 August 2019 – Prophet Magaya sent two athletes to participate in the 12th African Games held in Rabat, Morocco
- 2019 – Prophet Magaya sent three athletes to the Zimbabwe national youth games in Gweru, each receiving US $250 as pocket money.
- 2020 – He assisted all his athletics club members by providing them with jobs and food due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 18-22 August 2021 – Prophet Magaya sponsored two junior athletes to participate in the World Athletics U20 Championships held in Kenya.
- 18-22 August 2021 – In addition to covering the athletes’ travel expenses to Kenya, he provided each with US $500 for pocket money.
- 2022 – Prophet Magaya sent ten athletes to participate in the Region 5 Youth Games held in Malawi.
- Quote from Warriors Legend Tapuwa Kapini about Prophet Magaya – “We can say whatever we want about Prophet Magaya, but we can never take away the passion he has for football and his love for the game is there for everyone to see with all the million-dollar investments he has made.”
- 2022 – He sent 10 athletes to the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.
- 2022 – He dispatched 12 athletes to participate in the Zambia International All-Comers Meet.
- 2023 – Prophet Magaya sponsored five athletes to participate in the Botswana Golden Grand Prix
- 2023 – He dispatched four athletes to Zambia for the African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships.
- 2024 – Prophet Magaya sent two athletes to the CUCSA Games in South Africa.
- 2024 – Prophet Magaya sent an athlete who competed in the under-10 category at SACUSA in South Africa.
- 3 June 2024 – Inspired by Prophet Magaya, Simba Bhora owner Simba ‘Buju’ Ndoro invested in transforming Wadzanai Stadium and aimed to elevate the team locally and continentally. With Magaya’s guidance, Ndoro seeks to make Simba Bhora a top team.
- 12 August 2024 – Prophet Magaya set aside rewards for Zimbabwean sprinters, Makanaka Charamba and Tinashe Makarawu, who qualified for the men’s 200m final at the Olympics in Paris.
- At different times, he has sponsored the Zimbabwe Snooker Team.
- 101. He assisted on the renovation of Rufaro Stadium and supplied all the tiles that were installed in the stadium’s restrooms ahead of its homologation