Original story by Lawrence Trusida
https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/scottland-fc-transforms-life-of-viral-rufaro-garbage-picker-and-his-family
A young boy named Mukudzei Umali,who was seen in a viral video picking up plastic bottles at Rufaro Stadium, has received life-changing support. Scottland Football Club president and Mabvuku-Tafara MP, Scott Sakupwanya, stepped in to offer scholarships to Mukudzei and his three siblings. The generous gesture also included a new home and jobs for both parents.
The video was filmed after a match between Scottland FC and CAPS United in March, which ended in a 2–0 win for Scottland. As the crowd left, Mukudzei stayed behind and began collecting litter in the stands. Someone recorded the scene, and it soon spread across social media, catching the attention of many Zimbabweans.
What started as a simple act of cleanliness turned into a national story. Mukudzei’s quiet effort to clean the stadium touched hearts across the country. While many expressed sympathy, few took real steps to help—until Sakupwanya responded in a big way.
The boy’s mother, Memory Ndoro, had cried when the video first went viral, unsure what the future would hold. But her tears turned to joy after receiving a new apartment and a job at the Scottland clinic. Mukudzei’s father, a former Black Rhinos goalkeeper, was also given a coaching job at the club’s junior team.
“I am very happy,” said Ndoro. “We were living in one room shared with another family. Now we have our own place. I want my children to work hard and give back just like Honourable Sakupwanya did for us.”
Scottland Football Club says it wants to be more than just a sports team. “We come from the community and we must support it,” said club secretary general Fortune Bgwoni. The club promises to support the children’s education through university. Mukudzei’s simple act of kindness not only brought hope to his family, but also reminded a nation of the power of compassion.
