Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze and Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United president Farai Jere has launched a scathing attack on club legends who rallied behind goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, accusing them of defending a player he believes betrayed the club after a string of costly goalkeeping errors.
Magalane has come under intense pressure after a series of blunders that contributed to CAPS United dropping crucial points in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title race, with the club already moving to replace him by signing veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Botswana international Victor James.
Jere, who this week publicly condemned the goalkeeper’s performances and declared he no longer wanted him involved in the CAPS United project, said he was disappointed that former players had chosen to support Magalane instead of the club.
“It is a sad development, especially coming from the legends, these are the guys who should be raising their voices to call out that betrayal at CAPS,” said Jere.
“They were supposed to castigate that behaviour and remind the players that this is a team they once played for and there was never such a bad culture.
“For them to try and look as if they are diplomatic, siding with someone who sold their soul like that is unprecedented.
“I am disappointed with the CAPS legends who are in the forefront telling the world that it is unacceptable for me to call out such behaviour.”
Earlier this week, Jere made his feelings clear over Magalane’s performances.
“It is not tolerated at CAPS United . . . you do not make mistakes in every game. I do not want to see that boy anywhere near the CAPS United project,” he said.
“He will be getting his salary, staying at home. We are very serious and bitter.”
Although there has not yet been formal communication from the club, Magalane has voluntarily stayed away from training since Saturday.
His situation has drawn widespread support from across the football fraternity, with former players and current Premier Soccer League footballers urging him to remain strong.
Former Manica Diamonds midfielder Gerald Bero said mistakes were part of football.
“Football is a game of mistakes, you can never be a good player if you don’t make mistakes. Even the top players make mistakes, so be strong.”
Former Zimbabwe international goalkeeper Tatenda Mukuruva also rallied behind Magalane and called for greater compassion towards goalkeepers.
“Being a goalkeeper is a different kind of pressure. Fans celebrate the wins but quickly forget the saves that got the team there,” said Mukuruva.
“A striker can miss chance after chance, but a goalkeeper makes a few mistakes, and suddenly that is all anyone sees.
“A few moments should never erase years of hard work, my brother Wallace, keep your head up, this moment does not define you.”
Mukuruva also urged clubs to protect their players.
“And to clubs, remember players are human beings. Handle difficult situations with respect, professionalism, and dignity. Protect your people and do not publicly break them,” he said.
Similar messages of support were also shared by Triangle United forward Nyasha Chintuli, Ngezi Platinum Stars midfielder Marvelous Mukumba and Dynamos defender Tendai Magwaza.
CAPS have already strengthened their goalkeeping department by securing Arubi, who arrives as a direct replacement for Magalane.
He will be joined by Botswana international and former Jwaneng Galaxy goalkeeper Victor James, with the pair expected to provide competition as Stephen Odai Kwaku continues his recovery.
Former players are absolutely correct. I watched Farai Jere on “The Couch” program the other day. He claims to be a veteran administrator but his posture and explanation in a bid to defend his poor administrative acumen was glaring. No good administrator exercises such jackboot tactics when solving problems. He was an embarrassment. If he didn’t feel embarrassed by his own posture and utterances on TV, then we have a serious problem in our football and in our national politics as well. This clown 🤡 is the chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on sport. His self praise and egoism stinks to high heaven. We know his businesses are picking a lot of contracts and he probably is making big bucks but that must not give him the right to destroy poor souls like Wallace Magalane. He should be ashamed of his behaviour. We don’t want such characters in our football. CAPS United is an ordinary team by all standards and to nail someone on the cross like that because Jere claims to being sabotaged is indeed preposterous.