Rupande, Mathe: Discoveries of the 2023 season
WHILE competitive football action in Mutare was mainly limited to Division One matches at Manicaland Agricultural Showgrounds Sports Arena for the 2023 season in the absence of Premiership games at Sakubva Stadium, those who followed both leagues still managed to have major talking points in their post-match analysis chats.
No wonder there are two names that attracted much attention during the just-ended season, in diminutive Manica Diamonds defensive midfielder, Ask Rupande and Mutare City Rovers’ attacking midfielder, Keith Mathe.
Born at the turn of the new millennium on January 25, 23-year-old Rupande, who started playing the game of football at a tender age of eight at La Sakubva Academy, went to Sakubva Primary School and later Mutare Boys’ High School.
Rupande instantly became a darling of the crowds after Manica Diamonds coach, Jairos Tapera, did the right thing by showing trust in the budding player.
Rupande has always been a great admirer of former Mutare Boys’ High School and the now defunct Amazulu FC midfield magician, Taurai ‘Dhana’ Makukutu.
“My idol is Taurai ‘Dhana’ Makukutu. They (teammates) call me by that name because apart from my admiration for his style of play during his hay-days, we look alike, just like father and son,” said Rupande.
“My Premiership season last year was better than all the years I was in the Premier League. My aim is to for fulfil my dreams up to the highest level. I wish to play as many matches as possible,” added Rupande.
Born in Chiredzi and grew up in Mutare where he attended Rujeko Primary School in Dangamvura from Grade One to Seven before enrolling at Mambo High School in Gweru for his secondary education, Mathe proved to be a vital cog in the Gusha Bhora attacking system.
“I started playing soccer in the streets of Dangamvura’s T Section and later went on to Gweru where I joined a junior football team that was being managed by Maxwell ‘MaRhino’ Dube.
“I later joined Jemise Academy at 16 years of age. I moved to Midlands State University Football Club in Division One as a 19-year-old under coach Chasten Ngondonga. At 20, I joined Buffaloes FC for the first half of the season before moving to Mutare City.
“My performance at Mutare City last year was not bad. I am actually happy that I managed to find my feet and became a regular for the club. I am looking forward to playing many more competitive matches and realise my dreams as a professional player,” said Mathe.
As the 2024 season beckons, consistency is now the biggest challenge for Rupande and Mathe.