The Sunday News
If soccer paid well back then Tapiwa Mudyambanje could have continued showcasing his talent in Zimbabwe Saints colours and probably he could have donned the national uniform.
But alas, it was not and as such the ambition to earn a good living forced him to quit soccer after eight years of service. Mudyambanje launched his football career at Lozikeyi primary school in Nguboyenja suburb in the late 60s and he matured like wine in the game of football.
In the early 70s he joined the Zimbabwe Saints Under -14 team. In his debut he helped his side to clinch the Chibuku Cup after it dispatched Fireball Ramblers 3-2.
He says it was a tightly contested match where the opposition had players like Joel “Headmaster” Shambo and Stanley “Sinyo” Ndunduma among the top players before the pair later joined Caps United FC. While he was at the side he was also turning out for Mzilikazi Secondary School (now Mzilikazi High School). He says he captained the school’s side for two years in a row.
Tapiwa gives much credit to Philemon Dangarembwa for shaping his career and being a motivational factor.
“He was a like a brother to me and Ben Makadzange. As such he played a big role in encouraging me to be myself in the field of play. Just like him I played the right back position and he gave me guidance on how to execute myself in that position,” he says.
Dangarembwa said of Tapiwa: “He was strong in tackle due to his medium height he was commanding in the air and always won aerial balls. He could read the game and help in countering the opposition strategy.”
He broke into the senior team in 1976 after veteran right back Dangarembwa was confined to the terraces due to injury and he did not disappoint as he proved his worth at the outfit.
“I made my debut into the senior team a when my mentor was out on injury. I put maximum effort that enabled me to become a regular in that position. Dangarembwa was getting old and lacked speed and that worked against him,” he recalls.
The phraim Chawanda-captained side had players like Andew Kadengu, Josphat Munetsi, Jethro “Chemi” Hunidzarira, Misheck Sibanda, Jimmy Phiri, Shacky Toindepi Nyathi, Ben Makadzange, William Sibanda, Sugar Muguyo and of course his mentor Dangarembwa. The outfit was coached by Tendai Chieza; Peter Dera was the team manger.
The most memorable part of his career was during his debut season.
“I was part of the success story when my side went for 21 games unbeaten. The side had committed players who valued team work ahead of individual play,”he said with a smile.
He gave immaculate services to the club and was rewarded with two Under-20 national team call-ups. He was part of the squad that went to Russia in 1980 and also Mozambique in 1981.
He cast back his mind with a bitter memory when Chauya Chikwata as Zimbabwe Saints was fondly known clashed against Black Aces in a league match at Barbourfields Stadium.
“I scored an own goal when we played against Black Aces before our faithful supporters at Barbourfields, that own goal affected my confidence. Thanks to my coaches who were there for me as I managed to pick myself up,” he says.
He picks out the late Caps United prolific goal scorer Shackman Tauro as one the front liners who gave him a headache during his playing days.
“Due to his prolific goal scoring prowess Tauro was popularly known as Mr Goals and that made him the feared striker in the country and lived up to his nickname as he troubled me with his inimitable skills on the ball,” he says.
His stint at Chauya Chikwata was capped with clinching the league title in 1977 and Zifa Cup twice in 1977 and 1979.
He says he had to quit soccer after his late wife asked him to choose between soccer and a well paying job at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ).
“I had to make a tough decision at the end of 1981 after my late wife Nothando Khabo asked me to choose between playing soccer for peanuts or quit for a well paying job at NRZ. I had to quit for a greener pasture at the NRZ,” he says.
Asked about the standard of football in the country he said: “I feel the brand of football exhibited by the local youngsters has improved, that is why we have players plying their trade in Europe and more players turning out for Absa PSL in South Africa,” he said.
The team that gave him glory is no longer part of the PSL. Asked about his feelings about his team playing in the unfashionable league just like many former Zimbabwe Saints players Tapiwa firmly believes that his beloved team will bounce back.
He retired from NRZ after serving for more than three decades. He was married to Nothando Khabo who died in 2002. The couple had three children Pamela, Keith and Michael.
He was born in a family of eight children. He and Tobias, a big name at Highlanders played soccer.
