adminBruce Chikuni
HARARE City skipper, Hastings Chapusha, has ended his six-year union with the club by joining South Africa’s Motsepe Foundation League side, JDR Stars.
Chapusha told H-Metro yesterday that he has penned a three-year contract with the South African second tier league outfit.
The 26-year-old was the heart of City’s defence despite the team’s failure to retain their Premiership status in the last campaign.
He is the first club player to announce his departure.
He is also the first player in the PSL to secure a foreign move in the current transfer window.
He made the grade at a time domestic footballers are struggling to attract foreign offers.
“It’s been hard to accept my situation and I think this is the end of a chapter, not the story.
“I enjoyed my stay at City and made friends who became family.
“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me,” said Chapusha.
He singled out Moses “Bambo” Chunga for special praise.
“I’m forever grateful to coach Chunga for his trust and guidance in the early stages of my top-flight league journey,” he said.
“It gave me confidence to express myself without fear and, as a result, l was later trusted to lead the team.
“Winning the Chibuku Super Cup with City gave me more hunger and boosted my self-esteem.
“I also want to thank coaches, Elvis Chiweshe and Kevin Togaraseyi, for the big role they played to get me promoted to the club’s first team.
“City will always be my home and I have a lot of respect for the team’s executive, technical staff and players.
“I wish everyone associated with this club the very best for the future.
“I’m now shifting my focus to this new challenge and am really grateful to God and my family who gave me strength even when it looked like there’s no hope.”
JDR Stars are captained by Zimbabwe international Temptation Chiwunga, and they are also home to Ishmael Wadi.
Chapusha impressed when he was invited for trials during the mid-season break.
The Motsepe Foundation league is currently on a recess and set to restart early next year.
JDR Stars are making a strong push to book a Premiership ticket.
They sit fourth on the league table, just seven points off the mark.
Online Reporter