Brenna, Mazarura bromance lives on
THE story of Ephraim Mazurara and Brenna Msiska goes a long way back and is one of the finest Zimbabwe football bromances.
Msiska was a guest of honour at Mazarura’s birthday tournament recently. Mazarura idolised Msiska growing up, and he became his coach at Circle United until the senior national team.
“We grew up in the same hood in Mabvuku. He was my idol when I was growing up and I used to support him and call myself Brenna,” said Mazarura.
“Coincidentally, he became the head coach at Circle United when I was just graduating from the juniors. He had the guts to make me his first choice ahead of senior goalkeepers. That was when my professional football journey started. I still hang around with him and he was guest of honour at my birthday tournament.
“I played for two great seasons at Circle United then I was bought by Black Rhinos. At Rhinos I played for four seasons and by then he was the national team goalkeepers’ coach.”
Mazarura was soon called up to the national team.
“I graduated from the Zimbabwe Under-23 to the senior team together with Tapuwa Kapini. I respect Brenna for giving me chances and believing in me,” he said.
He believes the level of goalkeeping has declined compared to his playing days. He said Zenzo Moyo was the most difficult striker to play against.
“There are no good goalkeepers compared to our days. Even at our academies, it’s very difficult to find kids who want to be goalkeepers. Zenzo Moyo was so intimidating with his big frame and he was not afraid to go 50-50 with goalkeepers.”
Mazarura was in the first Zimbabwean team that featured at an AFCON tournament in Tunisia in 2004, and he said that remains his best football moment.
“That was the best moment of my career to be part of the historical team just wearing the Zimbabwe jersey. Whenever you get a chance to represent the country, you should play your best. When I quit playing, I started coaching St Johns College and that’s when I thought of starting an academy.
“I enjoy working with kids and I am playing a big role in removing them from the streets where they are prone to drug abuse. I am changing lives of many kids, and some are now playing professional football,” he said.