Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi
BRUCE KANGWA is 37, an age when many footballers start thinking about life after the game.
On a warm afternoon at Silver Stadium last weekend, the CAPS United defender was still sliding into tackles, still organising teammates, still looking sharp as the Green Machine beat Silver Strikers 1-0 in a friendly.
Time is moving, but Kangwa is not slowing down.
The veteran is part of the Makepekepe squad on a two week training camp in Lilongwe as the Harare side fine tunes preparations for the 2026 Premier Soccer League season, which begins on March 6. His performance against the Malawian club showed he still has plenty to offer.
Kangwa says the discipline that has carried him through his career can be traced back to an unexpected turning point during his time at Highlanders.
In 2016, Dutch coach Erol Akbay converted him into a striker when Bosso were short of goals.
The switch demanded quick adjustment and forced Kangwa to rethink both his approach to the game and his life away from football.
“I think that period when coach Akbay converted me into a striker helped me start seeing life differently,” said Kangwa.
“I had to adjust quickly and once I realised I could adapt, I started focusing all the time. That meant concentrating both on and off the field.”
The move paid off. Kangwa scored important goals for the Bulawayo giants and later earned a transfer to Tanzanian side, Azam, where he spent eight productive years before returning home to join CAPS United.
Back in green and white, he has embraced his role as one of the senior players in a squad boosted by several high profile signings ahead of what is expected to be a demanding season.
He says a disciplined lifestyle has helped him remain competitive in a league that is getting faster and more physical.
“You need to know what you want in football,” he said.
“My lifestyle keeps me going. When it comes to work, I put work first. I always try to improve from the person I was yesterday.”
For Kangwa, the Lilongwe camp is about more than fitness. He sees it as a chance for the squad to build understanding before the season begins.
“This is one of the best ways to build team spirit,” he said.
“When you are building a house, the foundation has to be strong. This camp helps us know each other better, understand strengths and weaknesses, and make better decisions on the pitch.”
CAPS United look more settled after an active transfer window, and expectations are rising among supporters who want to see the club challenge again.
They open their campaign against newcomers Agama, with Kangwa expected to play a key role as an experienced figure in a side chasing a strong start.
For now, he is enjoying the game that has shaped most of his life, showing that even at 37 he still has the drive to compete and lead.
