Caps better than Dynamos – Chitiyo
TWO-TIME Zimbabwean Sports Person of the Year Charles Manyuchi may get some crucial global exposure following news that boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is set to be the at ringside when the local boxing king defends his WBC silver welterweight title in Singapore on March 25.
Manyuchi also received a boost ahead of his fight against Quadratillo Abduqaxorov of Uzbekistan when he was crowned Zimbabwe’s 2016 Sportsperson of the Year on Friday night.
Speaking after receiving his second Sportsperson of the Year award following initial success in 2014, the 26-year-old boxer promised to shine in Singapore.
“It will be nice to have a boxing legend like Pacquiao at ringside because it motivates a lot.
“This is my time to shine and to do it in front of the who is who of boxing,” he said.
Manyuchi added that he felt humbled to be voted the best sportsperson in the country.
“Winning the Sportsperson of the Year again is another motivating factor. I am happy that I have been recognized again so I promise to repay that faith with a victory in Singapore.”
Manyuchi’s title defence is being billed as the biggest ever fight in Singapore and organisers of the event, Cartel Promotions, are persuading Pacquiao to attend the event.
The fight will take place at the 3 000 capacity OCBC Arena in a residential town called Kallang.
Alexander Shah of Cartel Promotions told The Strait Times – Singa- PLAYMAKER Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo has only been at Caps United for three weeks but that has been long enough for him to appreciate the serious work culture of the champions.
Makepekepe scooped Chitiyo’s signature right on CAF’s deadline and registered the former Dynamos and Harare City star in their 25-man squad for the Champions League on December 31.
Although he went to Caps United via Harare City, comparisons between DeMbare and Makepekepe will always crop up and Chitiyo has already made his conclusion in the three weeks he has been at Makepekepe.
“I have been here for a few weeks but —
pore’s biggest English language daily newspaper – of his plans to have Pacquiao attend the Manyuchi fight. I have seen a lot at this club that I didn’t know.
“Yes, both Dynamos and Caps United are the same in terms of the pressure that comes with playing for them but here at Makepekepe the work ethic is more intense,” revealed Chitiyo.
The 24-year-old attacking linkman took part in an intensive training session held at Zifa Village last Thursday and came out of it convinced that Caps United deserve their champions status.
“My new teammates are hard workers, I can even see Devon (Chafa) has changed. I played with him at Dynamos but I can see his work rate has improved.
“Everyone puts in a lot of effort and you can clearly feel that everyone wants to be a winner.
The 38-year-old Pacquiao is the current holder of the WBO welterweight title and is generally regarded as one
“I am not surprised now why Caps United are the champions because with this kind of work ethic they deserved to win,” said Chitiyo.
Caps United’s Thursday training session, which lasted almost three hours, was also overseen by CAF instructors Nelson Matongorere and Taurai Mangwiro.
The duo is conducting a CAF A License course at Zifa Village and used the Caps United training session for some illustrations.
Chitiyo has also been charmed by Makepekepe coach Lloyd Chitembwe’s “great” motivational skills and grasp of the game.
The diminutive ball artist believes his career will develop under Chitembwe.
“The coach has got good motivational of the greatest boxers of all time as he is a six-division world champion.
He also owns a boxing stable Manny skills, he has engaged me one on one several times and he wants me to feel at home.
“He has got the football brains, so I guess I will make progress here.”
Chitiyo is expected to make his Caps United debut this afternoon when the Green Machine hosts Mozambican champions Ferroviario Beria in a friendly match at the National Sports.
Pundits are wondering how Chitiyo and Joel “Josta” Ngodzo will co-exist given that they both play almost a similar role. Chitiyo is not worried. “That is the coach’s job. As players we just have to work hard although I believe Josta (Ngodzo) and I can both add value to the team. The coach will work that one Pacquiao Promotions.
“This is the most prestigious boxing match in Singapore in many years.
“I am meeting Senator Pacquiao next week (this week) and try to convince him to come,” Shah was quoted as saying last Friday.
“He (Pacquiao) has some business investments here so there is a chance.”
Respected boxing publication The Ring has also taken an interest and will cover the event.
Manyuchi’s manager Chris Malunga reckons exciting times are in store for his boxer.
“There are so many things we can benefit from having Pacquiao at ringside and one of them is more international exposure for both promotions,” said Malunga.
Manyuchi won the Sportsperson of the Year in 2014 after claiming the WBC International title.
– Rachel Davies – Lucky Mlilo – Mighty Warriors – Rowing Association of Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe Karate Union – Beavan Sibanda – Danielle Marie Bekker Patrick Moment Bhebhe Munyaradzi Musariri Margaret Bangajena
– Sherpard – – – – Kirsty
Coventry – Charles Manyuchi – Micheen Thornycroft – Charles Manyuchi out,” Chitiyo said.
Apart from Chitiyo, Caps United also signed tall defender Last Sithole from FC Platinum and promoted goalkeeper Prosper Chigumba from sister club Gunners, much to the delight of Chitembwe.
“When you have a player like Ronald (Chitiyo) I think you have good quality. I have Tsipa, Nhivi, Tafadzwa Rusike and Abbas Amidu…I think we are okay on the offensive side.
“I think we have the best attackers in the land and if you have the best you do not care about the rest.
“I have known Last (Sithole) for a long time. He has great technique, good height and composure. I think he is one of the best defenders in the country,” said the Caps United coach.