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Langton Nyakwenda
FOR a boy, who was raised in the crime prone high-density suburb of Mbare, Clive Mandivei’s decision to become a ministry worker back in 2016, was a unique one.
He began a fresh journey as a ministry worker within the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD).
Apart from being an usher at Walter Magaya’s church, he would also assist in the Parish’s canteen.
During the same period Khama Billiat was making waves across Africa.
The former Warriors talisman was named the second-best footballer in Africa in January 2016, after helping Mamelodi Sundowns to win the CAF Champions League.
His teammate and goalkeeper Dennis Onyango won the top gong.
While Billiat was rocking on the continent, for both club and country, Mandivei was an unknown entity in local football circles.
But, a lot of things changed when Magaya decided to form Yadah Stars, who were subsequently promoted into the Premier Soccer League back in 2018.
The club gave a lot of unheralded players, including Mandivei, an opportunity to try their luck at football.
A lot also changed for Billiat, who shifted from Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs where he spent a forgettable five seasons, before leaving the Soweto giants in June last year.
Billiat returned home in February and is now playing alongside Mandivei, who also captains Yadah.
Yadah are currently on a purple patch and they stretched their unbeaten run to four matches when they beat Chicken Inn 2-1 at Heart Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a brace from the penalty spot by Billiat.
With two wins and two draws in their last four outings, Yadah have picked up eight points out of a possible 12.
Billiat has now scored three goals in his last two matches, and Mandivei thinks the former Ajax Cape Town star, will bang “many goals this season.”
“Being a captain is one of the greatest honor an athlete can get, and captaining one of the best players in Africa is more than an honour,” says Mandivei.
“To be frank, I don’t have enough words to describe the feeling. It has been privilege to train with a player of Billiat’s calibre.
“It’s something that happens once in a blue moon.”
While most of the attention has been on Billiat since his grand arrival at Yadah in February, the forward has remained humble.
His teammates are also benefiting a lot from the gifted player.
“Sometimes he will not say anything but his actions speak volumes.
“You can see Billiat is someone who is hungry for success, he is always positive in both his words and actions, no matter the situation.
“He is humble and hardworking. He believes that for him to be the best version of himself or anyone to be the best, it starts with the team as iron sharpens iron.
“He is not after personal glory but he puts the team first.”
Mandivei will make his 74th league appearance for Yadah when The Miracles Boys host Simba Bhora at Rufaro on Saturday.
“If the truth be told, we are not a bad side.
“I believe we a very good squad which is capable of challenging for honours. We have been creating chances and that is important,” added Mandivei.
After failing to win in their opening five matches of, Yadah have turned the tables and are on a four-match unbeaten run.
“In a game of football you win, draw or lose.
“The league campaign is like a war with battles every week. If you lose a battle, it doesn’t mean you have lost the war,” Mandivei said.
Online Reporter