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Tadious Manyepo
TINO CHIUNYE has endured a merry-go-round career over the past six years.
He has been everywhere and nowhere, despite showing a lot of promise when he debuted in the local Premiership with CAPS United as an 18-year-old in 2018.
Maybe, the Aces Youth Soccer Academy product has become a nomad too soon.
He has already had two stints with ZPC Kariba and a cameo at Dynamos, which was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He played a crucial role when helping ZPC Kariba secure safety last season.
He then joined the queue of the bulging list of local footballers crossing into the Botswana Premier League, joining Tafic.
Injuries hit him and he could only feature in five games, scoring once and getting two assists.
He returned home and joined Chegutu Pirates. He couldn’t feature in Zaire’s first five games as his registration was being sorted.
On Sunday Chiunye grabbed a beauty in his first start when coach Day Gutu’s charges beat Hwange 2-1 at Baobab on Sunday.
“A lot has happened in my career and I would like to make the most of the opportunity that I have been given at Chegutu Pirates,” said Chiunye.
“I was in Botswana playing for Tafic but my stay there wasn’t as enjoyable as I had anticipated as I was dogged by too many injuries.
“As a result, I could only play in five games. I came back home for treatment and my mother fell ill.
“I am the oldest child and I had to take care of my mother.
“I was also involved in some accidents and suffered minor injuries in January. It was just tough, I ended up overstaying (in Botswana), resulting in my contract being terminated.
“That’s how I then decided to join Chegutu Pirates. I am grateful to them for giving me this chance.
“I am working hard to try and rediscover myself again.”
Chiunye added: “Obviously, as a new team in the Premier Soccer League, the priority would be to stay up there but I believe we are more ambitious than that,” he said.
“We want to be a competitive team that is capable of holding our own even against the toughest of teams.
“The supporters here are amazing, they drive us and seeing their zeal, you also put in the extra work.”
Online Reporter