Yvonne Mangunda Quits Star FM Radio
Prominent sports journalist and Star FM radio presenter Yvonne Tendai Mangunda has quit the Zimpapers-owned station.
Mangunda, who became a household name on account of her popular ‘Daily Sports Zone’ programme, made the announcement on Saturday.
‘The First Lady of Sport’ posted on her social media channels that she was leaving Star FM after 8 years of service. She wrote on Facebook:
Life is like a book with many chapters. Sometimes no matter how exciting a chapter is, you have to move on to the next chapter.
We go through different seasons and when one season ends, another starts. My chapter with Star FM comes to an end today.
My season concludes today and what journey it has been.
I leave Star FM as the reigning Zimbabwe Union of Journalists NJAMA Multimedia Journalist of the year and Sports Journalists Association Northern ( SPOJAN) Multimedia Journalist of the year and Electronic Journalist of the year.
This shows the progression I have made in the 8+ years at the radio station. I have come a long way from that lady waiting in a queue at Alexandra Sports Club for her chance.
To have made it as one of the less than 30 from 2000 aspirants. To be one of 6 in the Sports department was because of grace and identification of my abilities even before I fully understood them.
In my Star FM journey, I would like to thank Tich Mataz, the first person at the audition to tell me I was amazing and would flourish.
Months later, I was presenting sport on your drivetime show on Star FM. Admire Taderera for his support and how he made sport an integral part of Star FM.
The respect he had for us as Sportscasters and opportunities he allowed to have and pursue.
To Darlick Marandure for being a boss that cares and supported me through one of the roughest times in my life.
For being a caring leader. To Steve Vickers, oh my I could write a book about your contribution to my life.
You are an amazing human, a legendary sportscaster and an amazing boss. You shaped who I am, you are like a sculptor who moulded my broadcasting journey.
You understood me, my strengths and weakness. You were tolerant of my tantrums and requests.
My journey would have been so different is I had a different mentor. I was blessed to be moulded by tried and tested world-class broadcaster.
Spencer Banda, you taught me what a passionate broadcaster should be like. You elevated my career as I understood what going an extra mile for your work is. You inspired me to be better and so much better.
Simba Chiminya, my confidante, the brother, a friend I needed in the office. You taught me how research is crucial to any journalist.
You and Muziwethu Hadebe continue to inspire me with your level of research. ET, yohhh the way you tolerated my tantrums and are a good team player.
You were like that little brother you bully kkkkk but love and appreciate. I thank you for how helped you the ladies on my Mentorship programme and were eager to see it succeed.
Kudzai Violet Gwara (KVG), my day one. I know you are still struggling to accept my decision because you have been part of my Star FM journey from day one, cheering me on as I have cheered you.
I love you Masiziva and one day I hope you will accept and understand. You were with me from when I didn’t know I would be employed and watched me grow encouraging and supporting.
I am privileged to have had you along this journey. Noxy, you, you, my friend understood me and have helped me through difficult times and been my accountability partner.
You have always understood what it was about. ******, the incoming Star FM Sportscaster. I am passing over the torch to an amazing sports journalist. I know you will fit well with the rest of the team.
You are an amazing journalist and I am glad, my leaving also open a bigger door for such a passionate sportscaster.
Star FM Sports Team, your are the best, you know it and Zimbabwe knows it. Keep being the first choice for sport.
Kelvin Sifelani, you have no idea how your words affect me and boost my self-esteem. You are the best. To have listened to you growing up, then been privileged to call you a workmate and the bonus, a cheerleader and inspiration on work ethic.
To Zimpapers, thank you for having an open audition because people like me would have never stood a chance with no connections but big dreams.
Thank you for the idea of the first commercial radio station in Zimbabwe and making it a public, open audition process. I was privileged to be there from the first broadcast.
To my media older brothers, Mike Madoda and Barry Manandi, I am privileged to call you my friends.
I could never have known, watching you present International sports on tv back then that I would make such connections with such big media brands.
You have helped my journey and given great advice over the years. You treated me and advised me in ways that impact me more than you even know.
Your support has been tremendous and appreciated especially in my early days when I was finding my feet and needed veterans to help me along. You did that and you are amazing.
While others brushed me off in those early days, you took me under your wing despite being on a rival radio station. That has never stopped both of you from supporting me.
To all the companies, corporates that supported my journey with special mention to Castle Lager.
To all the players, coaches, administrators that have made my journey easier and appreciated my work, thank you.
Special mention to Zimbabwe Cricket for one of my best career moments on ICC men’s and women’s qualifiers stadium announcing duties plus oòooh the Test match between Zim and Sri Lanka.
That is top of my memorable moments in sports media. To sporting friends I have made along this journey, thank you.
Most importantly, thank you Lord for the grace shown in my life during my time at Star, for the path you carved for me when I was still in the womb.
Thank you for allowing me to flourish at the station.
Thank you for granting me a partner that loves, supports and holds my hand through the tears and joy, Allen Maradzike. You, my dear, are one in 7 billion.
The way you allowed me to flourish, supported my travels, long hours updating and chatting with people at late hours chasing stories, travelling with me to events and matches outside Harare.
I started this journey with you by my side in 2012 and I conclude it with you by side. Dhewa, makandikoshera.
To my kids Claire and Ethan, decisions like this are made with you in mind. Decisions like this are to teach you strength.
My late mother who first introduced me to football. You gave me a career path without knowing it. You taught me passion. You moulded me into what I am today.
Thank you Takashinga Cricket Club for moulding me into the cricket analyst that I am today, with special mention to Emmanuel Mr Dubz Dube for teaching me to fight for my space and maintain high standards.
After 8 years, I say GOODBYE STAR FM, Sounding good all the time. Goodbye, the life I have known for the past 8 years.
Thank you to each and every Star FM listener or sports fan who has supported my brand and listened, followed, applauded and criticised.
My online family, thank you, you are greatly appreciated. Everyone in the Star FM family that has wished me well and treated me well during my time there.
God bless you in abundance and may the station continue to grow.
Thank you.
