Online Reporter
Noel Munzabwa in Siteki, Eswatini
THE mainstream media may have gone to sleep to historic moments a fortnight ago at Ascot Stadium in Gweru as Chapungu United pummeled FC Platinum Under-19 5-0 in the Zifa Central Region Division One tie, missing a special and significant goal that finally arrived.
It was from none other than 22-year-old Tafadzwa Marufu, the first-born son of Phillip Marufu, the prolific former Chapungu FC, Dynamos FC, FC Eloi Lupopi and Warriors forward, providing the airmen with their 17th-minute third goal.
This was a darting run from early entry into the opponents’ half before an edge-of-the-box exchange with Edward Watson before rifling the ball past the keeper, sealing “A Goal for Tafadzwa”.
For many ardent football lovers from the city of progress and its surrounding areas, memories may have been formatted out of remembrance of Sunday, October 19, 2003, but one just has to forgive them.
Barely two minutes into the league match between Chapungu and CAPS United at Ascot, on October 19, 2003, Phillip
Marufu slithered his way past a cluster of defenders.
Then, he drilled the ball beyond goalkeeper Witness Munkuli.
Marufu dashed towards the bench and lifted his jersey to reveal a T-shirt hidden inside.
“A Goal For Tafadzwa,” read the message on the T-shirt.
For him, it was about celebrating the joy of being a first-time father.
Little Tafadzwa had arrived five days before the tie.
Little did he know that almost 23 years down the line, his Chapungu career goal count would be beginning to blossom and relive “A goal for Tafadzwa.”
“I have always read about my father’s career and stumbled on the ‘Goal for Tafadzwa’ story.
“That goal is something that has become my source of inspiration; thus, when I set my first goal for Chapungu, I pointed at my dad.
“Pity I didn’t have a T-shirt with the message, but I still could dedicate the goal to him. He has always encouraged me every time I take to the field,” said Tafadzwa.
Phillip, who is now carving his career in coaching, shared wise words similarly shared five years ago.
“It all starts in the mind, and then becomes a habit of training your body,’’ he said.
“The secret is just to be disciplined when it comes to training and life.
“I am here simply because of that and I hope my son masters that art as he develops into a better player,” said Marufu.
Chimudhudhudhu, Fidza or Baccosi, the array of nicknames acquired on the field, stands long and tall as the airmen’s scoring legend, with 105 goals.
Add to that, he has an overall scorecard of 133 club goals in the 20 years of competitive play for four clubs —
Chapungu, Dynamos, Lupopo and Black Rhinos.
His overall goals tally then rises to 141, when the eight goals from the Warriors’ nine caps are factored in.
Only time will be the best prophet if young Tafadzwa will live up to that bill.
