Buffaloes jersey was special: Manzungu

Fungai Munyoro
HE was a genius between the sticks and during his playing days, veteran broadcaster, Charles “CNN” Mabika, once described him as one of the greatest goalkeepers in Zimbabwe.

“He was one of his own kind, so far very few goalkeepers like him have been produced, he was indeed great,” said Mabika.

His tenacity and skill has made him one of his generation’s finest goalies. He was a solid goalie who made a name for himself at Buffaloes, a remarkable man who has enjoyed an exciting career.

His name is Simbarashe Rodney Manzungu.

Manzungu began his football career at the now defunct ZUPCO Harare, a Division Two outfit in 1996 when he was only 19. He then moved to Shamva Gold Mine for six months in 1997 before finishing the season at Redwing Mine FC in Penhalonga.

Manzungu was plucked from Redwing FC by the late 3 Brigade Commander, Gibbs Kachana when Buffaloes signed him in 1998.

“Brigadier Kachana took me to Buffaloes where I played and helped the team gain promotion into the elite league in 1999,” he said.

His arrival at Buffaloes brought about so many changes. He had to work hard to contest for the first team jersey with veteran goalie, Ndega Matsika.

Manzungu rose to the challenge and soon proved to be an able replacement for Matsika.

“I worked with Ndega Matsika and he made me a good goalie by understudying him and the same year I claimed the first team jersey. This was one of my greatest moments in life. Just putting on the Buffaloes jersey for me was enough motivation to perform better,” he said.

Buffaloes were promoted into the top-flight league in 1999 and Manzungu was there.

He played at the army side until 2000 and moved to Black Rhinos where he played for five years.

At Black Rhinos, he had to fight for the first team jersey with the likes of Farai Kahembe, Cliff Nyamare and Ephraim Mazarura and later on with Matsika.

“It was not easy, but I settled well. I was also given the armband as the Zimbabwe Defence Forces captain. I still remember winning the Independence Trophy with Black Rhinos and in 2000 we won gold in South Africa as captain of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces side,” he said.

Manzungu said he treated every game as great, not undermining any team.

“Every game was great, whether we won or lost. One of the worst games I ever played was against Amazulu. I bet Matsika also remembers this game. I was on the bench and I was introduced in the second half when Amazulu was leading 3-0. It ended 6-0. Ndakatambidzwa anguwo matatu (I also conceded three goals),” he chuckled.

He remembers one of the matches he gave a memorable performance.

“We played Gunners and by then I was now at Black Rhinos. I impressed between the posts and I was voted man of the match. We won the match 5-3 on penalties and I managed to save two penalties. I was given a very lovely Bible that I still have up to this day,” said Manzungu.

While playing for Rhinos, the veteran goalie travelled widely.

“I had the privilege to travel to France, Morocco and Rwanda. I also travelled to almost every African country with the national Under-23 side. I also won goalie of the month a couple of times at Black Rhinos,” he said.

Manzungu left Black Rhinos in 2005 and joined Shooting Stars where he stayed for three seasons before joining Masvingo United in 2008.

He returned to Black Rhinos the following year before hanging his gloves.

“I hung my gloves in 2010 while turning out for Black Rhinos due to work commitments. I took a break from soccer, but now I am back at Black Rhinos as the junior goalkeepers coach. I also launched a nine-ball snooker league in May this year as the chair and founder,” he added.

Asked about the player he rated as the best striker during his hey days, Manzungu mentioned former Chapungu and Warriors striker, Maxwell “MaRhino” Dube.

“I respect Maxwell Dube. At one moment I woke up in hospital after saving one of his fine shot and I landed on the ground with my head first.

“For the best defenders, I would say Melody Wafawanaka, Shady Mugurasave, Lloyd Dematsika and Prince Tafirenyika. For best goalkeepers I would point Matsika and Gift Muzadzi. Matsika played a pivotal role in building and nurturing me. Gift ‘Umbro’ Muzadzi was very good,” said Manzungu.

Manzungu was born in Kadoma on February 18, 1977 and attended John Cowie and Seke 8 primary schools before enrolling at Chitungwiza High for his Ordinary Levels. He did his A-Levels at Allan Wilson.

He believes that Mutare has great soccer players if only the talent is nurtured and supported.

“Talent is unquestionable in terms of players and coaches. The community is not doing enough in supporting soccer,” he said.

He also said there are great players at his former club, Buffaloes, but they lack a fighting spirit.

“The ‘Ndombolo’ fighting spirit that we used to exhibit is no longer there. Maybe it all comes back to the issue of money since the club is struggling.

“During our heyday money was not an issue because the team was well sponsored. The club needs to source sponsors in order to take care of these youngsters,” he said.