Amidst the hustle and bustle of Robert Mugabe International Airport, 67-year-old Lilian Mashaya stood with a mix of anticipation and pride.
She had journeyed a staggering 400km from Gokwe’s Chief Gumunyu’s Village, not for an international flight, but to witness her son, Sensei Wilfred Mashaya, return as a martial arts champion from Hull, England.
As passengers flowed out of the terminal, the moment Lilian had travelled so far arrived. Her eyes, rich with years of stories, met her son’s gaze, and she felt a surge of pride and love.
For a moment, she forgot about the long journey and the fatigue. She basked in the joy of her son’s victory, and the airport, which she was visiting for the first time, transformed from a mere structure of concrete and metal into an arena of raw emotion.
Every contour of Lilian’s face spoke of a mother’s journey, of seeing her son transformed from a young boy emulating martial arts moves in their living room to becoming ‘Zim Ninja’, a moniker that now resonates on the international stage.
“He has brought back so many medals,” she beamed. “This is where pure talent and unwavering support can lead.”
Her eyes, shining with pride and a smile that bridged decades, reminisced about a young Wilfred. “I still recall young Wilfred, aged 5, completely engrossed in Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan films,” Lilian reminisced. “There were times we felt he watched too many of these movies.”
The memory contrasted sharply with the present. “But today, that boyish obsession led me to the grand airport, waiting for the ‘Zim Ninja”, adorned with medals from afar,” she mused.
Her message was clear and powerful. Parents must not just recognize but nurture the spark in their children. “You never actually know where a child’s passion might lead,” she urged, imploring the more fortunate to support budding athletes. “Something beautiful always blossoms from genuine talent and dedication.”
According to Sensei Mashaya, the emotional climax of the day was when he spotted his mother amidst the crowd. “Mom has been my rock. Dad used to be the one waiting at the airport, especially when I was named Sportsman of the Year in Windhoek, Namibia, in 2019. His passing a year later left a void,” Mashaya’s voice broke. “Seeing mom today, doing what dad used to, it’s a bittersweet joy.”
