The ManicaPost
ESTEEMED followers of the game of football, thank you for finding time for interaction.
Soul Jah Love is one of the most famous figures in Zimbabwe’s pop culture today, particularly Zim dancehall, and has the self-christened moniker “ChiBaba” to go with his huge status in the genre.
His current chart-topping smash hit Pamamonya Ipapo, which eulogises how a perceived underdog holds its own among the heavyweights and defy odds has become something of an anthem in the ghetto and an almost-always staple on the playlists of many. A glance at the current Castle Lager Premier Soccer League log standings will show how the four promoted teams from the second-tier have done relatively well in the top division.
At least for now.
So it is so far so good for them and this is only the beginning. Save for Bantu Rovers, the other three teams – Black Rhinos, Yadah Stars and Shabanie Mine – have not disappointed, but done relatively well, at least to their fans, in their start to this season. Bantu are nearer the foot of the table while the other three are in the upper reaches.
While Rhinos, Bantu and Shabanie are returnees who have been here before, Yadah are only serving their apprentice as newcomers to the top-flight league.
But it has been the manner the quadruplet has gone about their business that has caught the attention of some followers of the game and got them talking. Bulawayo side Bantu Rovers can be discounted and may just make a compelling case for their slow start on grounds that they are hugely a developmental side whose interest mainly lies in identifying, nurturing and developing young talent. The core of their squad largely comprises Under-20 players and are reported as having only four “over-aged” players on their books.
But among the returnees, it is Chauya Chipembere who have been the most impressive. Going into this weekend’s matches they are perched on a respectable third position with six rounds of matches, having played one less. They followed up a reverse start away at Ngezi Platinum Stars with three consecutive wins – including one over 2015 champions Chicken Inn – and a draw against fancied FC Platinum on Tuesday. The army side are looking to win most of their battles as they fight to win this war for survival in the league.
Novices Yadah Stars, owned by Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries. got off to a promising start in the maiden Premiership voyage; winning two and drawing two of their opening four games – and keeping cleaning sheets in the process – before they were breached in the loss to Dynamos. Not a bad start for Papa’s team, even as they are beginners. Looks like the prayers and anointing oils, as their coach Jairos Tapera never misses an opportunity to remind us, are being effective and helping them.
The Chinda Boys, Shabanie Mine, a team that is not as affluent as their cross-town rivals FC Platinum, are learning to live within their means. Stunning heavyweight favourites Highlanders in their own backyard is as perfect a dream return among the big boys as they come.
However, after appearing to be losing their way following coach Wilson Mutekede’s departure to become the technical director at Zifa, the Zvishavane side look like they are back on track after defeating Tsholotsho.
So, how true will Soul Jah Love’s Pamamonya Ipapo ring among Black Rhinos, Yadah Stars, Shabanie Mine and Bantu Rovers? Will ChiBaba’s popular track inspire them to flexing their muscles among the heavyweights, hold their own, defy odds and walk off with their tails up at the end of this season?
Kudya bhonzo, kwaakutomira-wo pamamonya ipapo!
It’s Game On, Play On!
Feedback:
I admired Moses Chunga as a footballer who did not need a coach to tell him what to do on the pitch. I still admire him as a free speaker on football matters. His tongue is razor sharp, the same way he weaved past midfielders and defenders to score.
There is nothing controversial in the truth and we need such people like Chunga to get the sense. English is not knowledge but a language and Chunga is spot on that we should local languages in all soccer coaching courses. The ball is kicked by the foot and not the tongue and why do we have all these complications? – Richard Mahuhushe Chauke.
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