Players Club: home away from home

Players Club: home away from home

By Showbiz Reporter

ON A sunny Sunday afternoon at a recreational club off Southend Road in London, a £150 000 Bentley Continental GT zooms into sight.

With its immaculate beauty, it glides onto a football field near the club before coming to a stop.

A man in his late 20s and three stunning ladies on high-heels emerge from the car, attracting the inevitable attention of tens of on-lookers milling around the club.

Moments later, a 760Li BMW 7 Series (cost £83 000) pulls up next to the Bentley.

Soon, the entire place is every motoring enthusiast's dream.

But this is not a motoring show.

Welcome to the Players Club, London's answer to Mereki in Harare, and Mthwakazi in Bulawayo.

The contrasting fortunes of the 'haves' and 'have-nots', so spectacularly played out at Zimbabwean barbacue spots, is replicated in London as egregious riches collide with modest means.

The British summer is just about the only time in the year when Zimbabweans gather outdoors in such numbers -- just to have fun.

The intrigue and serenity of meeting total strangers -- brought together only by being Zimbabwean -- and indulging in some old sports of playing amplified music, boozing and getting acquinted with beautiful women is the Players Club's biggest attraction.

This seasonal indulgence is made possible by the industry of two Zimbabwean businessmen, Simon Chimanya and Elijah Meskano.

Chimanya said: "The idea came three years ago and we have been having barbacues every summer since then.

"Last year, and the year before, we were at the Bowlers Club but we have decided to move to the Players Club. The response is always fantastic from Zimbabweans because we are trying to create home away from home."

The Players Club has football pitches, condusive for family outdoor outings. Meat and the Zimbabwean staple sadza are sold at the site.

Zimbabwean guest DJ's play at the club on Sunday nights. Currently, DJ Shocking Vibes, Martin Smooth and God Crucial are on contract with the club.

The Players' Club is open every Sunday. To get there, drive on the A406 towards East Ham and take the Bucking Exit onto Southend Road (E6 2AA). For more details call 07904012052 or 07904012035.
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