Adored in Shamva, revered in Epworth

Sports Reporter

HE is not adored and idolised only in the gold mining town of Shamva; back in

Epworth, where he was born and bred, they also still worship the diminutive midfield

magician.

Ronald “Rooney’’ Chitiyo is arguably the best-followed player in the Castle Lager Premier

Soccer League at the moment. Yes, Denver Mukamba is loved at Dynamos and is showered with cash after every match, but the Simba Bhora’s midfield dynamo has a legion of loyal supporters from Epworth, who follow him to every match.

At least two buses ferry supporters from Epworth to wherever “Rooney’’ will be playing. There is actually one popular supporter from Epworth who does not wear a shirt on match days but, instead, always paints the number 88 — Chitiyo’s jersey number — on his back.

The 30-year-old Chitiyo has not disappointed his followers on his return to the Premiership either.

He has scored two goals for newboys Simba Bhora, who have managed two wins,

as many defeats and a draw in their opening five matches in the top-flight.

They play fellow debutants Sheasham at Mandava Stadum today, with Chitiyo expected

to dazzle once again.

The midfielder is one of the most experienced players, having first burst into the elite

league in 2012, when he helped now-defunct Monomotapa United to the Mbada Diamonds

Cup final, which they lost 0-2 to Dynamos.

That was 11 years ago. Chitiyo, nicknamed after former Manchester United and England talisman Wayne Rooney, is still firing on all cylinders.

“Honestly, I am happy to be back in the Premier Soccer League, and to be playing at

the highest level is always the best,’’ he told The Sunday Mail Sport.

“At the same time, coming back with Simba Bhora and scoring two goals is good.

“I think I am on the right track.’’

He grabbed Simba Bhora’s first Premiership goal when he thrust his side into the lead

against FC Platinum.

They, however, eventually let slip that advantage to lose the fixture 2-1.

He is currently being used as an attacking linkman in a midfield trio that usually has Tichaona Chipunza and Blessing Moyo.

He scored his second goal of the season when Simba Bhora dispatched Hwange 2-0 at the National Sports Stadium last weekend.

“It’s good to be part of history; that goal meant a lot but the sad thing is we lost that opening game against FC Platinum.”

Simba Bhora led for over 80 minutes before the champions clawed back with a brace from

Juan Mutudza. They went on to lose at Chicken Inn, before holding Dynamos to a goalless draw in their third match.

“If we keep doing well, we will be among the best teams at the end of the season,” reckons

Chitiyo.

The support he continues to get from fans in Epworth has left him humbled.

“I want to thank the fans who have been following me.

“It’s not easy for them to follow a new team like Simba Bhora.

“They decided to leave traditional teams like Dynamos, CAPS United and Highlanders

to rally behind Simba Bhora because of me.

“My relationship with these fans goes beyond football. It shows that I live well within the community. I love Epworth; that’s where I come from,’’ he said.

Some of the players he played alongside on his debut season in the Premiership included Artwell Mukandi, Obey Mwerahari, Hillary Mugoniwa, Osborne Mukuradare, Russel

Madamombe and Kuda Musharu.

“As footballers, our careers are short, so we have to maximise. You can’t play forever,

but, as long as my body keeps me going, I will continue playing and remain committed to

professional football. We are inspired by European players, some of whom play for 20 years.

“We read about them and we try by all means to manage our lives and professions

just like them.”

Chitiyo lost both his parents but his siblings have been there for him.

“I lost my mom and dad but I am happy my family members who are alive are always

there for me.

“Takabatana and tinosimbisana; maybe it’s because we no longer have parents.’’

Although he is playing for Premiership newcomers, Chitiyo is ambitious.

“We are not putting ourselves under pressure. As a player, I have targets; I always want