Prayer that took Hachiro to Mhondoro
FOR Ngezi Platinum Stars’ recent acquisition of Richard Hachiro, putting on the blue kit is a miracle he lives to thank God for.
In fact, at the end of Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Season 2023, the “bossy” midfielder never imagined himself dining with the champions someday.
Let alone getting a chance to go and play in the CAF Champions League.
Hachiro made a stylish debut recently when Ngezi walloped the Chibuku Super Cup Winners Dynamos 2-0 to bag the Castle Challenge Cup at Baobab.
Leaving the Madamburo technical team and fans alike eating off his palm, he went on to be voted the ZTN Man of the Match.
Interestingly, he always chooses to remain modest even when his prowess gives all bragging rights.
At a time when he should be relishing his early achievements of the season, the pint-sized lad feels that he has no time to celebrate.
This, he said, is a challenge for him to intensify his prayers.
Hachiro feels his professional football journey has never been easy and that he only made it this far through prayer.
Known to many as a devout Christian, he revealed that his journey has been rocked by injuries that left him, at some point doubting his return to play.
The former Chicken Inn player spent the greater part of the first half of last season on the sidelines after picking some injuries.
Even during his time at Herentals, he would be on and off the pitch due to injuries.
“I am happy with how my debut turned out, I did not imagine starting the season this way,” he said.
“Not that I doubt myself, I have always had a character of bringing my ‘A’ game whenever I step on the pitch.
“However, you know what it is like getting into a new camp, you need to adjust, fit into the team, and adopt a new type of play so I did not imagine all that happening so soon and I give thanks to God.
“Looking at my journey, the knocks and injuries, I believe this is God reminding me of how much he favours me and that now it is time to be more prayerful.”
He recalls praying for healing and breakthrough at the time when he had spent weeks out of play at the “Game Cocks” due to injuries.
The Herentals product would embark on a series of prayer sessions and fasting in anticipation of God’s healing.
“When I got the offer to join Ngezi, at first I could not believe it, it felt unreal considering what happened to me last season, but God works in mysterious ways,” he said.
“These are the rare chances that every player dreams of, I have to work harder and give them (Ngezi) what they signed me for.
“What motivated me the most was how I bounced back towards the end of last season in style, never thinking that in that short space of time, I would capture anyone’s attention.
“Tracing my journey to Ngezi, I feel that it was God answering my prayers.”
Despite the short time that he has been with “Madamburo,” Hachiro already feels at home.
He said he is ready to play in the Africa Safari.
However, he notes, he can only do that through prayer.
“I do not feel like I am new here, it is a warm home, and judging by the manner we played the Castle Challenge Cup, we are poised for good times.
“To think that I will be playing at CAF is like a miracle to me.
I believe in God, I do not doubt myself or Him, I know that it is by His grace that I found myself here today.
“Looking back from Herentals, Caps United, Chicken Inn, and even my stints with the Warriors, I did not imagine myself playing in the CAF.
“Maybe these are the rewards of believing in God and having faith in Him, my prayers have been answered but now it is time to pray harder for divine protection.”