Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
A YOUTHFUL Talent Chawapiwa receives the ball wide on the left at Rufaro in 2015, and his first touch is devastating as he drifts into the inside.
His marker is left for dead.
This is at the height of a strong Harare City side that left an impression difficult to ignore.
“We had many stars in the team back then at Harare City, but it was clear Chawapiwa was rare talent,” says former City coach Taurai Mangwiro.
The experienced coach, who also worked with the player at Under-20 national team level, says there was no doubt as to what Chawapiwa could bring on the table.
During his time with Harare City, he became one of the most valuable wide players.
“He was one of the players I coached at Under-20 level, so I knew exactly what he could offer,” says Mangwiro.
“I was happy he did that transition well, and as coaches, we are happy when you see players you help develop make progress.”
His talent demanded more and he was always going to move, says Mangwiro.
“But I always thought he should have played for just one club here and then making a move,” he says.
Mangwiro differs with the belief that the player’s explosive type of play contributed much to the injuries.
The style of play from one club to the other, he says, may have affected the player a bit. Apart from Harare City, the winger also played for ZPC Kariba and FC Platinum in a short period.
Such was his abilities that any suitor with deep pockets could sign him, but still not be guaranteed to keep him.
“There are advantages of staying at one club, working with one coach for longer before you take a bigger step,” Mangwiro remarks.
That Chawapiwa also saw action at the then-money bags, FC Platinum, spoke volumes about his value. That was before he crossed the Limpopo for his famous R1 million move to the South African top-flight. It was a new chapter opened, but with a lot of similarities to his career locally — a player never short of suitors.
In South Africa, he had stints with Baroka, Amazulu and Sekhukhune United.
For many, he proved he was a player on another level. But when you go down memory lane, back to those Sunday afternoons at Rufaro, when he was totally unplayable for the Sunshine Boys, you are convinced this is a player who may have promised much but delivered little. Much of it may have been due to injuries and fate as it were.
“His final destination must have been Europe and there is no doubt about that,” says a source who knew the player well at junior level. It has been a decade since the winger burst onto the scene, and like a true Warrior, he has seen his days and left an impression difficult to ignore.
And when you look back, his on-and-off relationship with the Warriors will be a decent legacy, but one that cried for more chapters.
But Chawapiwa’s journey is not yet done, and 2026 could be the year he brings back the good times.
This will not be the first time the former FC Platinum star has tried to relaunch, having spent the better part of the second half of the season recuperating.
This time, the setting is Gibbo at Triangle, where he will see on a daily basis more of sugar plantations than the bright lights in Harare. It could be a restart that will give him little pressure, if at all that gives him solace. Word has it that the Lowveld secured his signature — for a one-year contract.
The deal offers the experienced player a critical chance to reignite that career at a time a number of veteran players have decided to return home. In many ways, he could be what Knowledge Musona is to Scottland or what Silas Songani is to Highlanders.
Chawapiwa, who had a good career in South Africa, endured a difficult return to the domestic top-flight with Simba Bhora.
His arrival at Triangle forms part of a broader rebuilding project under new head coach Thomas Ruzive. Chawapiwa’s manager, Fungai Mutsanya, says the signing is crucial for the player.
“From Talent’s camp, it’s a big opportunity for us as the player wants to prove that he is not yet a spent force. He is eager to help the club reach its targets and his experience can be of great importance,” he says.
“He has struggled with injuries in recent stints, which has been a major setback for him. Now we understand he is fully recovered and ready to give his best.”
Chawapiwa is happy to get another chance.
“I am grateful to Triangle for believing in me and giving me a chance to showcase my abilities and help the team achieve goals,” he says.
“It’s a new challenge I have embraced and willing to give my best to achieve the best results.
“Triangle United is a club that have created space for themselves in the local league and they are an important social integration link within the Lowveld community.”
Chawapiwa joins a host of new faces at the club, including Tatenda Mchisa, Emmanuel Chikwende, Ariel Makopa and Issa Sadiki, as Ruzive orchestrates a comprehensive squad overhaul.
After surviving relegation on the last day of action in 2025, Triangle are leaving nothing to chance.
“Our goal is absolute, we must improve and we must compete. We refuse to be part of another relegation dogfight,” coach Ruzive says.
After losing a number of players who made Gibbo a fortress, the signing of Chawapiwa is both a gamble and a statement of intent.
As Chawapiwa heads to the Lowveld, he will probably look back and be grateful he has had a long career, and he will still be counting the years.
For the better part of his early years in the local league, his style depended much on speed and that could also change now.
And the player is not making excuses.
“Yes, I am now one of the senior players and I have to offer guidance to some of the youngsters on and off the pitch,” says Chawapiwa.
Triangle wait in anticipation for a player who has lived true to his name — Talent.
