Chiunye out to find himself, again

TINO Chiunye has endured a merry-go-round career over the past six years.

He has been everywhere and nowhere, despite showing a lot of promise when he debuted in the local Premiership football with CAPS United as an 18-year-old in 2018. Maybe the Aces Youth Soccer Academy product has become a nomad too soon, having already had two stints with ZPC Kariba with a cameo at Dynamos, which was hitherto affected by the Covid-19 pandemic between 2021 and 2022, sandwiching those.

The 24-year-old has displayed brilliance, though few and far between everywhere he has gone.

He played a crucial role when helping ZPC Kariba to safety last season and a year before.

Just when he was beginning to be bookmarked for greatness, he joined the queue of the bulging list of local footballers crossing to the Botswana Premier League, joining Tafic.

Injuries hit him and he could only feature in five games, scoring once and getting two assists.

Eventually, his stay was cut short and Chiunye is back home with Premiership newcomers Chegutu Pirates.

He couldn’t feature in “Zaire’s” first five games as his registration wasn’t completed on time.

It’s all been sorted now and Chiunye grabbed a beauty in his first start when coach Day Gutu’s charges beat Hwange 2-1 at Baobab on Sunday.

Gift Mwinga scored the other goal for “Dzinza” with Hwange’s consolation coming from Sipho Ndlovu.

“A lot has happened in my career and I would like to make the most of the opportunity that I have been given at Chegutu Pirates,” said Chiunye.

“I was in Botswana playing for Tafic but my stay there wasn’t as enjoyable as I had anticipated because of too many injuries.

“As a result, I could only play in five games. I came back home for treatment and my mother fell ill. I am the oldest child and I had to take care of her. I was also involved in some accidents and suffered minor injuries in January. It was just tough; I ended up overstaying (in Botswana), resulting in my contract being terminated.

“That’s how I then decided to join Chegutu Pirates. I am grateful to them for giving me this chance.

“I am working hard to try and rediscover myself again.”

Chiunye said Chegutu Pirates possess the mettle to stand their ground in the top-flight.