Filmmaker Katedza releases another gem

Rumbi Katedza

One of Zimbabwe's talented filmmakers Rumbi Katedza has added on another - "The Team" - to her long list of reputable works. The phenomenal woman, who is currently riding high on the success of her latest feature film "Playing Warriors", said the television series is clear testimony of the abundant talent in Zimbabwe.

"This production shows the capabilities of local actors, scriptwriters and production crew," she said. "The Team" is a 13-episode television comedy with dramatic overtones which follows the characters on a football team who must overcome their differences in order to work together to win the game. Set in a small mining town in Zimbabwe, two young men from different backgrounds meet. They have little money but are rich in energy and unified by their love for football.

The main character, "Pablo", played by Takunda Shava is at loggerheads with his mother and uncle who would rather see him get a job than play football. "Beans" (Divine Nkomo) is the oldest of eight children who wants to get out of poverty by going to school. However, his father expects him to take care of his younger siblings and work on behalf of his family.

When a big city team promotes a scouting contest, Beans joins Pablo's scheme to put together a team, so that they might finally get a shot to the major league. The TV series is a partnership between an international organisation Search for Common Ground and Mai Jai films. It is aired on ZBC-TV on Fridays at 6pm."The Team" which is being aired on ZBC-TV has been received well by local audiences given that all of the series are created and produced locally.

The TV series is a partnership between an international organisation Search for Common Ground and Mai Jai films. Search for Common Ground, country director Eunice Njovana said " We merged the global appeal of football with drama to help transform social attitudes and diminish violent behaviour".

The Team airs on ZBC-TV Fridays at 18:00 pm. (Herald)