Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HISTORY-making Zimbabwe coach and former national team skipper Sunday “Mhofu’’ Chidzambwa has been honoured for his distinguished service to the country’s football with businessman Wicknell Chivayo yesterday gifting him with a car and cash.
The legendary coach, the first man to guide the Warriors to the Africa Cup of Nations at the 2004 tournament in Tunisia has been rewarded with a brand-new Toyota Fortuner and US$20 000 cash.
He also coached the Warriors at the 2019 edition of the Nations Cup. Chidzambwa remains the only coach to have taken a local club into the final of a CAF inter-club competition having steered Dynamos into the 1998 Champions League final in which they lost 4-2 on aggregate to Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas.
The veteran gaffer also holds the record for the coach with the highest number of COSAFA Cup titles (four), having won the regional championship in 2003, 2009, 2017 and 2018.
“In the local football history few names carry the weight of Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa,’’ wrote Chivayo.
“The iconic coach and former Warriors captain has shaped the game in all its different facets, such that it will be unjust to talk about football and not mention his name.
“As coach of the Warriors, he masterminded Zimbabwe’s landmark qualification for its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2004, a feat that inspired a generation.
“With Dynamos, he led the club to the 1998 CAF Champions League final, a height no other Zimbabwean side has reached.
“His trophy cabinet, filled with several domestic league titles and a record 4 COSAFA Cup titles, reflects his ingenuity on and off the pitch,’’ he said.
Chidzambwa, who is expected to collect the gift tomorrow, was yesterday humbled by the gesture and expressed his gratitude to Chivayo.
“It’s humbling to be remembered,” he said. “It’s good and encouraging to be recognised by others for what you have done for the country.
“It’s a good gesture, and it’s appreciated.’’
The decorated coach also touched a bit on his legacy in the national game.
“I have done well for this country in terms of football, and winning trophies, and went twice to the AFCON.
Chidzambwa, however, appealed for better recognition of the domestic game’s legends by involving them in different programmes.
“As legends we urge the responsible authorities to utilise us . . . in some cases legends are treated as nothing. But they have lived through the terrains.
“Experience is the best teacher, even in Europe and at big clubs like Manchester United, legends are invited but here there is nothing like that.
“As legends, we have so much to contribute.”
He backed young local coaches to succeed with the Warriors if granted the chance but also warned that they would need to work harder to build their capacities.
“Our local coaches need to research a lot locally and be up to date with the outside world.
“We have a lot of players who are now playing in Europe who can help the team develop.”
Chidzambwa, who watched in anguish last year as his beloved Dynamos battled relegation, reckoned that the 2026 Premiership season could be explosive, if the clubs’ pre-season preparations are anything to go by. “For 2026, it’s going to be tough. If you look at how the reigning champions Scottland have conducted their pre-season, it speaks volumes.
“Currently they are out of the country, and it only reflects how serious they are in defending their title.
“But the same energy and purpose has been shown by several clubs. Everyone is pushing to do the right thing, something we want to see,’’ added Chidzambwa.
