Shingi Kawondera is a name synonymous with Zimbabwean football excellence. Known for his electrifying performances as a former Warriors striker, Kawondera made his mark on international pitches across Europe and Africa. Yet, in recent times, he has been making headlines not for his exploits on the field, but for unveiling a lesser-known chapter of his life—his significant business ties with the late flamboyant businessman Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure.
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Kawondera’s football career was marked by international experience, including stints in Poland, Cyprus, Turkey, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
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His personal life, especially his marriage to Marry Mubaiwa (who later became Marry Chiwenga), has been a subject of media attention, especially given Marry’s high-profile legal and health issues.
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His business partnership with Ginimbi was foundational in the growth of Pioneer Gases, but later marred by disputes and allegations of document forgery to remove him from the company.
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Kawondera remains a notable figure in Zimbabwe for his transition from sports to business and his involvement in complex social and political networks.
Early Football Career and International Stardom
Kawondera’s football journey began in the late 1990s at Darryn T, a local Zimbabwean club, before he ventured abroad to play professionally. Between 1999 and 2002, he showcased his talent in Poland’s top league, the Ekstraklasa, with Górnik Zabrze. His career then took him to Cyprus, where he played for clubs like AEP Paphos, AEK Larnaca, and Nea Salamina. He also had a stint in Turkey with Gaziantepspor and later in South Africa with SuperSport United.
On the international stage, Kawondera earned 22 caps for Zimbabwe, scoring six goals. He proudly represented the Warriors at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt, cementing his status as one of Zimbabwe’s notable football talents.
The Business Partnership with Ginimbi
Beyond the football field, Kawondera’s story takes an intriguing turn into the business world. In a candid revelation, he confirmed his foundational role and directorship in the early days of Ginimbi’s gas business, which eventually blossomed into Pioneer Gases, one of Zimbabwe’s leading gas distribution companies.
Back in 2005-2006, Ginimbi’s gas operation was a modest venture, reportedly selling only two to three tanks daily due to limited capital. Kawondera invested a substantial US$60,000 into this nascent business, becoming a key partner and providing the crucial financial boost needed for expansion. He described their relationship as a true partnership, emphasizing his deep involvement from the ground up.
Pioneer Gases grew rapidly, expanding its reach within Zimbabwe and into neighboring countries like Botswana and South Africa. The company now supplies liquefied petroleum gas to commercial, industrial, public, and retail sectors, boasting daily revenues in the tens of thousands of dollars.
| Year/Period | Event/Activity |
|---|---|
| Began football career at Darryn T, a Zimbabwean local club. | |
| Played professionally for Polish Ekstraklasa club Górnik Zabrze. | |
| Played for Cypriot clubs including AEP Paphos, AEK Larnaca, and Nea Salamina. | |
| Made international debut for Zimbabwe national team; scored first international goal vs Gabon. | |
| Introduced to Marry Mubaiwa (later Marry Chiwenga) by Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure. | |
| Played for Turkish club Gaziantepspor. | |
| Represented Zimbabwe at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt. | |
| Played for South African Premier Division side SuperSport United. | |
| Returned to Cyprus, signing with AEK Larnaca and later Nea Salamina. | |
| Invested US$60,000 in Ginimbi’s gas business, becoming a founding partner and director. | |
| Pioneer Gases grew into a major gas distribution company in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. | |
| Married Marry Mubaiwa; later separated but Kawondera claims they never formally divorced. | |
| Faced controversy over alleged illegal removal from Pioneer Gases directorship involving Marry and Ginimbi. | |
| Played for CAPS United in Zimbabwe. | |
| Known for his skills as an attacking midfielder and striker, earning 22 caps and 6 goals for Zimbabwe. | |
| Became involved in business ventures and public discussions about his personal and professional life. |
Personal Life and Complex Relationships
Kawondera’s personal life has often attracted media attention, particularly his marriage to Marry Mubaiwa, who later became Marry Chiwenga, the estranged wife of Zimbabwe’s Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Kawondera revealed that it was Ginimbi who introduced him to Marry in 2004, and that Ginimbi had disclosed Marry was his niece—highlighting the interconnected web of relationships among Zimbabwe’s elite.
Although Kawondera and Marry eventually separated, he insists they never formally divorced and continues to express affection for her despite her well-publicized legal and health struggles.
Controversies and Business Disputes
Kawondera’s business journey has not been without controversy. He alleges that Marry Mubaiwa, in collusion with Ginimbi, forged documents to illegally change the directorship of Pioneer Gases, effectively pushing him out of the company he helped found and financially supported. Kawondera maintains that he has documentation proving his ownership and claims that while he was based abroad, he provided the necessary resources for the business’s growth.
This dispute adds a complex layer to his narrative, intertwining personal relationships with business interests in a way that has captivated public attention.
A Multifaceted Legacy
Shingi Kawondera’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and complexity. From a celebrated footballer gracing international stadiums to a savvy businessman instrumental in building a major enterprise, his journey reflects the multifaceted lives many public figures lead behind the scenes.
His revelations about his partnership with Ginimbi not only shed light on the origins of a major Zimbabwean business but also underscore the intricate social and personal networks that influence the country’s sporting, business, and political spheres.
