A Zimbabwean mother and son were part of the 20,000-strong volunteer team at the just-ended World Cup Qatar 2022, according to the world soccer governing body, FIFA,
In official website, FIFA said Rufaro Makambira-Chindalo supported operations at the Main Media Centre, while her son, Kundai, was a spectator services volunteer at Khalifa International Stadium, one of eight state-of-the-art venues hosting Qatar 2022 matches.
FIFA said Rufaro has become a seasoned volunteer since moving to Doha in 2019 to work as a support teacher for disabled children at Cardiff International School.
FIFA said she previously volunteered at numerous football tournaments in Qatar, including the CAF Super Cup, AFC Champions League, Amir Cup and FIFA Arab Cup.
Rufaro is quoted as saying, “Volunteering has increased my confidence and helped me become comfortable approaching people and striking up conversations. Immersing myself in volunteering also helped me to understand and appreciate the local culture here in Qatar. I was struck by how lovely and welcoming everyone is.”
According to FIFA, Rufaro’s experiences encouraged Kundai, an undergraduate who lives in Harare, Zimbabwe, to volunteer at last year’s FIFA Arab Cup, with an eye on being a part of the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.
Rufaro further told FIFA that “the skills, experience and social interactions are priceless. I wanted Kundai to have all these experiences. I knew volunteering would help him grow and develop, and feel a sense of pride and fulfilment.”
Kundai, studying for a humanity and social sciences degree, is also quoted as saying volunteering will support his education and career prospects.
“I am a sports coordinator at my university in Zimbabwe and when I go back I intend to share the knowledge I have gained in Qatar – skills like teamwork, organising and strategies. My goal is to become a social entrepreneur – someone who positively impacts society – and all these skills will be priceless.”
Speaking about the opportunity to be part of a global mega-event alongside her son, Rufaro told FIFA that “it is amazing – so very special. The World Cup will not just leave a lasting legacy for Qatar and the Arab region, it will also leave a lasting legacy for our family.”