Award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and social media personality Shadaya Knight Tawona have condemned boxer Temba Gorimbo for his unwarranted criticism of Zimdancehall star Winky D.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gorimbo claimed that Winky D lacks recognition beyond Zimbabwe’s borders and is only famous within the local music scene. He said:
<blockquote>
Winky D ndewe local guys chete. Numbers don’t lie handiti but at least I respect kuti haana kuzotenga ma followers. Maona here vana local, Winky D anozihwa nemi chete maZimbo.
</blockquote>
In a seemingly veiled response to Gorimbo’s comments, Chin’ono said that artists and sportspeople should maintain humility, even as their stature and success grow.
While Chin’ono did not directly name Gorimbo, his message appeared to be a rebuke of the boxer’s disparaging remarks about Winky D’s popularity. Said Chin’ono:
<blockquote>
When you get public support for things like sports, music, or being at the top of your field, remember where you came from and the people who supported you!
It is foolish to insult the very same people who cheered for you and sometimes fought your public battles for you.
If you are not smart enough to distinguish between common sense and being ungrateful and insulting, do what real stars do, let professional people manage your social media accounts!
Why risk alienating your fanbase when you can have someone with a cool head manage your online presence?
You will one day need the people you are antagonising, especially those who have stood by you through thick and thin.
The temptation for public figures to start believing their own hype and lashing out at their supporters is a real danger. 
It is easy to forget that fame is a fickle thing and that public opinion can turn on you.
There are bigger and real stars who have understood this and have lived their lives with respect and dignity.
As a well-known journalist who has had public support when fighting my battles, the last thing I would do is diss other public figures who are minding their own business and have not said anything bad about me.
Unless you are talking about politicians whose actions affect our daily lives, or you are talking about the actions of people in a society, leave people who are doing their own thing alone, as they have also left you alone!
I applaud big names who are insulted but choose to keep quiet, that is the essence of being a real GOAT!
</blockquote>
It appears Gorimbo interpreted Chin’ono’s advice about humility as a direct criticism of his own comments about Winky D. Gorimbo did not take kindly to this perceived rebuke, and responded by lashing out at Chin’ono.
In retaliation, Gorimbo lambasted Chin’ono, labelling him a “man with no brain” and accused him of “bashing” the country through his social media posts exposing corruption. Said Gorimbo:
<blockquote>
You my brother, you don’t have any sense or brains to give life advice to anyone. You don’t know what is behind my jokes.
You are a disgrace to Zimbabwe. You always bashing the country. We love Zimbabwe and take action instead of complaining on Twitter.
</blockquote>
Shadaya, who has made waves on social media with his controversial views on masculinity and gender roles, said Gorimbo should have a professional managing his social media accounts. He said:
<blockquote>
Themba Gorimbo is proof of why most celebrities actually need management, especially to handle their social media accounts
Because let’s be realistic a majority of them are plain idiots, they live in their own imaginary world, out of touch with reality.
For example, Gorimbo is now so out of touch with reality ever since he was adopted by The Rock. The fame has gotten to his head, to a point he feels he can denigrate every other Zimbabwean celebrity, just for the sake of it
At the same time insulting fans, the very people who cheered for him in his grass-to-grace story. At the click of a button, he has lost all the respect the people had for him. Over what?
Social media attention is indeed a drug.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo’s remarks have sparked a debate on social media. Some people voiced support for Gorimbo’s claim that Winky D lacks significant international recognition, beyond his popularity within Zimbabwe.
However, others criticized Gorimbo, arguing that he was wrong to publicly disparage the musician, who has generally maintained a low-profile and avoided saying anything negative about others.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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Chin'ono, Shadaya Condemn Boxer Temba Gorimbo's Unprovoked Criticism Of Winky D

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) athlete Themba Gorimbo is building a solar-powered library at his Muvuti Village in Bikita District, Masvingo Province, with free 24-hour internet access for research.
Gorimbo, who was recently granted permission by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) to wear the national flag during his competitive matches, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that construction of the library has started. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Phase one of my village library project here in Zimbabwe is complete. Foundation done and first brick work has started.
This library is accessible to anyone and everyone who wishes to study and be something in life. Going to help all young kids who live in the village to study at night because it is solar-powered and has 24-hour access to anyone and everyone who wishes to study and be something in life. This project will help provide free internet access too to the villagers.
</blockquote>
According to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/gorimbo-builds-library-in-home-village/">Chronicle</a>, Gorimbo’s journey to becoming a professional fighter was difficult after he lost both his parents before reaching the age of 15 years.
Gorimbo’s mother passed away when he was just nine years old, and his father passed away four years later, leaving him orphaned.
For some time, he was involved in the dangerous world of illegal diamond mining in Marange, trying to make ends meet.
Late last month, Gorimbo (33), claimed his third UFC victory in a match against American opponent Ramiz Brahimaj in a welterweight combat.
He made headlines last year after being gifted a house in Miami, United States of America, by actor and wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, following his first career Octagon win at UFC Vegas 73.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Themba Gorimbo Builds Library With Free Internet In His Home Village

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) athlete Themba “The Answer” Gorimbo has thanked the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) for allowing him to wear the national flag during his competitive matches.
Posting on X, Gorimbo also thanked all stakeholders involved in convincing the SRC to allow him to wear national colours. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I am truly grateful and happy my voice been heard and I get to have my country flag on my fight kit going forward. This is big. As an athlete in @ufc it feels good to see your country’s flag on your gear.This is part of the story &amp; history. Thank you to everyone who played part.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo shared a letter dated April 11, 2024, addressed to him by SRC chairman Gerald Mlotshwa advising him that his request had been granted. Reads the letter:
<blockquote>
I make reference to your application for approval to wear national colours when representing Zimbabwe (as a Mixed Martial Arts athlete) dated 22 February 2024.
The Sports and Recreation Commission is pleased to advise that the Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Hon. Kirsty Coventry, has authorized you to wear the national colours of Zimbabwe during Mixed Martial Arts competitions and related events.
The approved colours are as presented in your application, above. Kindly note that any change in the kit will require our prior approval.
The SRC wishes you all the success in your sporting endeavours.
</blockquote>
In February this year, Gorimbo criticised the Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Kirsty Coventry, stating that he no longer looked up to her.
He said Coventry was the worst Sports Minister ever and blamed her for the poor state of sports in the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SRC Allows Themba Gorimbo To Wear Zim National Colours In UFC Competitions

Themba Gorimbo has criticised the Minister of Sport, Arts, Recreation and Culture Kirsty Coventry, again, stating that he no longer looks up to her.
Gorimbo, who is Zimbabwe’s only Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) athlete recently described Coventry as the worst Sports Minister ever and blames her for the poor state of sports in the country.
Speaking to broadcaster Owen Madondo in an interview aired Monday, Gorimbo clicked his tongue upon mention of Coventry’s name. He said:
<blockquote>
I do not look up to her. I used to sing praises for Kirsty Coventry but now, you know what, I do not even want to talk about it.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo has previously attacked the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) after it barred him from brandishing the national flag or wearing it during his competitive matches.
He has since resolved the matter after meeting SRC Director General Eltah Nengomasha.
According to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/themba-gorimbo-blasts-sports-minister-kirsty-coventry-again-days-after-settling-matter-with-src/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, Gorimbo is in Zimbabwe visiting family and friends while overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art library in his home village in Bikita District, Masvingo Province.
Gorimbo has been a revelation since making his UFC debut in 2022 and recently knocked out American fighter Pete Rodriguez in 32 seconds.
He had been based in South Africa before moving to America where a meeting with legendary World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fighter The Rock made him a household name.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Themba Gorimbo Slams Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, Again

Zimbabwe’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Themba Gorimbo says sport is dying in Zimbabwe because Kirsty Coventry, the Sports, Arts and Recreation Minister, is out of her depth.
In a post on his X page on Tuesday, 13 February, Gorimbo described the former Olympic gold medalist as “the wort Sports Minister”. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I stand by my country and love every single development happening in my country. The roads are beautiful, things are changing but only one thing.
Sports is dying because we have the worst sports minister who let her family run the department and her husband run her meetings.
</blockquote>
An X user, Zanda Toto suggested that Kirsty may have struggled because the Government underfunds sport. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Most sports are not doing very well because government budget allocation to the Ministry is less than 0.03% of the national budget, parents/families are financially constrained and corporates have been tight-fisted for a while as the economy struggles.
</blockquote>
Former ZANU PF Member of Parliament Dexter Nduna (Chegutu West) said:
<blockquote>
I believe you can find a way to sit down now and air your grievances and proposals for the betterment of sports in your motherland. The minister has a Permsec a deputy minister and a whole sports ministry find time in your little sabbatical to visit them and help right the wrongs if any. Your contribution to the national and world sports development is invaluable.
</blockquote>
In another post, Gorimbo slammed the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), saying it has refused to allow him to have the Zimbabwean flag on his kit. He wrote:
<blockquote>
The only way I can have the Zimbabwe flag currently is this way. Every other athlete in UFC has their country flag on their fight gear except me because (I DON’T KNOW). The so-called Zim MMA board &amp; SRC want me to bow down to get my flag on my kit.
</blockquote>
Coventry has faced lots of criticism since she was appointed Sports Minister in 2018 by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Under her watch, Zimbabwe has endured some difficult periods including the banning of the country’s stadiums by CAF as well as the suspension of national football teams and clubs from international football competitions.
Surprisingly, Mnangagwa retained Coventry in his cabinet after the 2023 general elections.
Mnangagwa defended the move, saying that he as the appointing authority was the one to decide on the fitness for office.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Gorimbo Says Kirsty Coventry Is The Worst Sports Minister Ever

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently met with Themba Gorimbo, a Zimbabwean UFC fighter whom he had <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/06/11/the-rock-offers-support-to-zimbabwean-ufc-fighter-gorimbo-after-7-49-bank-balance-revelation/">pledged to support financially</a> in June. Johnson posted a video on Instagram, stating that he was moved and motivated by Gorimbo’s story. Gorimbo had won his first UFC fight with only $7 in his bank account. After the fight, he sold his fight gear online and made $7,000, which he used to build a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">bush pump</a> to provide clean water to his village back in Zimbabwe. Johnson had offered to assist Gorimbo after learning of his financial struggles, and he flew to Miami to meet with him and offer his support.
Gorimbo went to America with limited funds and slept on a couch in the gym due to a lack of resources and training space. Despite his financial struggles, he received support from his training partners and went on to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/28/themba-gorimbo-made-history-as-first-zimbabwean-to-win-a-ufc-fight/">make history as the first Zimbabwean to win a UFC fight.</a> Johnson, who had experienced similar financial struggles in the past, empathized with Gorimbo’s situation and offered to help him. This story highlights the importance of perseverance and the impact that support from others can have on achieving one’s goals. In an Instagram post seen by Pindula News, the Rock said:
<blockquote>
We’ve never met but I had to fly to Miami to look this man @thembagorimbo_mma the eyes, hug him and shake his hand. I’ve been moved &amp; motivated by his story.
He recently won his first fight in the @UFC. He had $7 bucks in his bank account when he won. He sleeps on a couch in the gym.
After the fight, he sold his fight gear (trunks &amp; gloves) online and made $7,000. Instead of using the money to find a place to live, he built a bush pump so his village back in Zimbabwe can have clean water.
He never asked me for anything, but I just wanted to help the guy out. $7 Bucks ya know.
And I felt the MANA &amp; emotion in every hug.
Very good and very special day.
<img alt="" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-261347" decoding="async" height="1345" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" src="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo.jpg 1080w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-241x300.jpg 241w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-822x1024.jpg 822w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/The-Rock-Gorimbo-768x956.jpg 768w" width="1080"/>
</blockquote>
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<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="1138" id="video-261344-1" preload="metadata" width="640"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Gorimbo-the-rock.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Gorimbo-the-rock.mp4">https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Gorimbo-the-rock.mp4</a></video></div>
Gorimbo had <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/22/23732740/themba-gorimbo-only-had-7-in-bank-account-ahead-of-ufc-vegas-73-praises-great-guy-colby-covington">revealed that he had only US$7.49 in his bank account</a> ahead of UFC Vegas 73 win over Japanese Takashi Sato. Gorimbo said during his post-fight media scrum:
<blockquote>
I’ve been broke. I came to America seven weeks ago without money. I only had enough money to fly, get to the airport to the gym, stayed at the gym, and then a friend sent me $200.
It’s been a roller coaster. I didn’t have money, if you look at my bank account there’s $7 right now. In my bank account, there’s $7, and I have to enjoy this. I don’t know how much I’m getting paid. All I’ve been focused on for this fight was to get the win. The win was the most important thing, the money is the byproduct of getting the win.
</blockquote>
Gorimbo said he lacked a team and training space for his fight, so he resorted to sleeping on a couch in Miami’s MMA Masters gym. Despite financial struggles, he received support from his training partners, including Colby Covington, who may become the next challenger for the UFC welterweight title. Gorimbo praised Covington as a great man and expressed his commitment to continuing with his current team.
After the revelation, the Rock last month described the situation as “crazy” adding that it brought back many emotions and memories. He added:
<blockquote>
$7.49 in this fighter’s bank account. I once had $7 bucks too. I’ve been there on that grind. Got your back, brother. I’ll help. You got this. I’ll be in touch.
</blockquote>
Themba Gorimbo, a welterweight UFC fighter from <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Bikita/">Bikita</a> in eastern Zimbabwe, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/05/28/themba-gorimbo-made-history-as-first-zimbabwean-to-win-a-ufc-fight/">made history</a> by becoming the first Zimbabwean to win a fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) when he defeated Takashi Sato in May.
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