As Zimbabwe prepares to witness the return of domestic football to the National Sports Stadium on Sunday, one of the men who helped make the occasion possible is a former Premier Soccer League goal scorer who once dazzled fans on the pitch.

Robert Zhakata Gede, a former striker for Fire Batteries, Tanganda, Black Pool, Blue Swallows and Sporting Lions, has traded football boots for engineering tools and is now among the professionals who played a role in the reconstruction and refurbishment of the country's largest sporting facility.

Through his company, Maingard Solar and Electrical, Gede was subcontracted to carry out critical works at the stadium, including electrical installations, renovations to changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities as part of a broader effort to restore the venue to international standards. He works with Jonathan Masara and Gordon Bvekerwa.

The timing could not be more significant.

The National Sports Stadium is set to host its first football match in years on Sunday when giants CAPS United take on Scottland FC in what promises to be a historic occasion for Zimbabwean football.

For Gede, the reopening of the venue is a proud moment that brings together two defining chapters of his life — football and engineering.

"This stadium means a lot to every Zimbabwean footballer," said Gede.

"We all grew up dreaming of playing here. Some of the country's greatest football memories were created in this stadium. To now be involved in helping restore it and prepare it for football's return is a privilege that I will always cherish."

The National Sports Stadium has remained largely closed to international football for several years after failing to meet standards required by world football governing bodies, resulting in Zimbabwe being barred from hosting international matches at the venue. The shortcomings ranged from inadequate changing facilities and ablution systems to deficiencies in safety, security and other infrastructure requirements.

The closure forced the Zimbabwe national teams and local clubs participating in continental competitions to play their home matches outside the country, depriving local fans of the opportunity to watch international football on home soil.

The ongoing refurbishment programme was therefore viewed as a matter of national importance, with various contractors and specialists brought in to help restore the stadium's status as the country's premier sporting venue.

For Gede, however, the story extends beyond construction.

Long before he established himself in football, he had already embarked on a professional career path, training as an apprentice electrical engineer at Dairiboard Zimbabwe. It is a decision he now credits for helping him navigate life after football.

"Football gave me recognition and wonderful memories, but my technical training gave me a career and a future," he said.

"One of the biggest lessons I want young athletes to understand is that sport alone is not enough. A football career is short. At some point it comes to an end. That is why it is important to have an education, a trade or a profession that can support you after retirement."

During his playing days, Gede was among the league's most prolific scorers, earning recognition as one of the leading marksmen in the Premier Soccer League. Yet despite his success on the field, he never lost sight of the importance of developing himself professionally.

"I always believed in balancing football and career development," he said.

"When I was playing, I also paid attention to my technical training. Some people think that when you are succeeding in sport, that is all you need. But football can end tomorrow because of injury, age or other circumstances."

He added: "Having a profession gave me confidence because I knew that even after football, I would still be able to provide for my family and contribute to society. Today I am involved in national projects because of the skills I acquired outside football."

Gede believes apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable foundation for life.

"My apprenticeship at Dairiboard Zimbabwe taught me discipline, problem-solving and professionalism. Those qualities helped me both in football and in business," he said.

"An apprenticeship is not just about learning a trade. It teaches responsibility and prepares someone to become productive in society. Young athletes should embrace those opportunities whenever they can."

He argues that Zimbabwe's sporting community should actively encourage athletes to pursue educational and vocational qualifications alongside their sporting careers.

"We need a culture where sport and education go hand in hand," he said.

"If you are a footballer, continue learning. If you are a boxer, continue studying. If you are an athlete, continue building your professional skills. The two can complement each other."

As football finally returns to the National Sports Stadium, Gede's contribution stands as a powerful reminder that success in sport and success in a profession are not mutually exclusive.

The former striker who once scored goals in front of cheering crowds is now helping rebuild the very stadium where future generations will create their own sporting memories.

"Football opened doors for me," he said.

"But education and technical skills enabled me to keep moving forward after those football doors closed. That is the message I want young athletes to understand. Pursue your sporting dreams, but never neglect your future."

When CAPS United and Scottland take to the field on Sunday, thousands of fans will celebrate the return of football to the National Sports Stadium.

Few will know that among those responsible for making that return possible is a former goal scorer who continues to serve the game — not from the pitch, but from behind the scenes helping rebuild Zimbabwean football's most iconic home.