A Blessing in disguise

Don Makanyanga

HE could have probably played for Dynamos had Kalisto Pasuwa not left the Glamour Boys at the end of 2014 season.

Blessing Maunganidze, who has now grown into a big centre back at Herentals, played as a striker for Dynamos juniors before he was converted into a defender by Herbert Maruwa.

His big frame and tough tackles caught the eye of Pasuwa who had begun preparing the player for first team appearances, shortly before the record breaking gaffer left the club.

Four years on and that disappointment has since turned into a blessing in disguise for the 25-year-old Maunganidze.

“I used to play as a striker until coach Maruwa who was working with the Dynamos juniors, back then, asked me to stand in for our central defender.

“I played a good game, and from that day onwards I was converted into a defender,” revealed Maunganidze, ahead of Herentals clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Rufaro today.

His conversion from a striker into a defender caught Pasuwa’s eye who asked Maunganidze to train with the senior team preparing the young defender for his debut season in the 2015 Premiership season.

But as fate would have it, Pasuwa parted ways with the Glamour Boys.

“I played well in my new position and caught the eye of Pasuwa who asked me to train with the seniors waiting for the start of the 2015 season.

“Unfortunately, Pasuwa left and I was not part of the new coach’s plans.

“It was a huge heartbreak for me,” he said.

Inspired by the heartbreak, Maunganidze had to press the restart button and left Dynamos for then Division One side Herentals FC.

Four years later, he has achieved his dream as he has become a key player for Herentals.

“In my first days at Churchill High School I played rugby but my father Glen Maunganidze persuaded me to stay in football, and to this day I thank him for his guidance,” said Maunganidze.

The big defender was to mark his debut season in style in 2018, playing 32 matches for a solid Herentals side that finished sixth in only its first Premiership season.

The Students, as Herentals are known by their fans, had the second best solid defense for the 2018 season conceding 24 goals in 34 matches.

Second behind only FC Platinum who conceded 14 goals from the same number of games.

“Playing in the Premier League was a dream come true for me but what made it special was the fact that we were the second best team in terms of defending in our first season,” said Maunganidze.

Herentals gaffer Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva is banking on his defence when his charges take on Ngezi Platinum Stars this afternoon.

“We take pride in our defence and that is where we build our play from.

“I am happy with what my team has done in the last two years.

“Matches against Ngezi Platinum Stars have always been interesting because of the history we have and we are aware that they have been scoring in all of their matches.

“I believe the strength of the team will come into play and we will stop them,” said Mutiwekuziva.