Hwange trio makes history
VERY few of their fans might have realised it but coming from as far as 800km from the capital, three players have made history by becoming the first players from Hwange to lift the league title with one team.
Defenders Stephen Makatuka from Ingagula suburb in Hwange, Carlton Munzambwa and Dominic Chungwa from Lwendulu Village are still in dreamland after being instrumental in the Caps United charge towards their first league title in 11 years. That mission was completed on Saturday at Ascot Stadium with a 1-0 win over Chapungu United.
Interestingly, the last time that Makepekepe won the league title, in 2005, they had two Hwange born players in Milos Phiri and Witness Munkuli.
“It’s still a dream to me, I can’t believe that I am a league title medalist. The road has been hard and rough for us but thanks to the team management and fans, here we are with the trophy,” said Chungwa whose father Petros, was a key figure in the Hwange line up at some point.
He said he was now looking forward to dancing with the best as they participate in the Caf Champions League next year.
“It is rare for someone coming from a small town like Hwange to come to the capital and play for a big club like Caps United but we managed to do that, I am now looking forward to the African dance, it’s a huge climb for me,” said Chungwa.
An equally ecstatic Makatuka who at one time was made captain of the Green Machine, said patience and perseverance were key in their success.
“Happiness is probably an understatement, people now know that there is talent also in Hwange and teams must not confine themselves to big town players only, they must go out there and scout,” said Makatuka.
He said as the league chase became a three-horse race and eventually a two-horse one pitting themselves and FC Platinum it was important for them to remain focused and calm.
“We were leading in terms of points and all that was needed was to remain focused on our own matches and never worry about how FC Platinum played because as long as we kept on winning our games, the title was bound to be ours, regardless of how FC Platinum played,” said Makatuka.