Clive the cook, the usher

Langton Nyakwenda

WELL before his talent was discovered, he was a church usher, who would also assist in the kitchen. His duties included cooking for the congregation’s guests.

When he was not on church duty, he side-hustled and sometimes packed ice-cream for some local entrepreneurs, who were into the business of selling the product in Mbare.

His decision to be a ministry worker within the Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) in 2016, was the beginning of his journey to a career in the Premier Soccer League.

Clive Mandivei, an unheralded yet gifted centre back, is now a regular at Premiership side Yadah Stars, having played 50 league games since the start of the last season. He played 31 games in the last term and has featured 19 times this season.

Mandivei is poised to make his 20th league appearance this season, when Yadah host Cranborne Bullets in a basement battle at Baobab this afternoon.

Both sides are in the bottom four and they both have one win in the last five rounds of the Premiership games. And Mandivei, a former national Under-23 defender, is one of the players Yadah will look up to as they seek to maintain their top-flight status.

Mandivei is still 22, yet he is one of the most dependable players in a squad that also has talented but less-celebrated players who include Lenox “Shenko” Mucheto, Brian Kadamanja, Blessed Ndereki, Charles Moffat and youthful goalkeeper Panashe Nyabunga.

“The game against Cranborne Bullets is like a final to us. If we win, we will jump out of the red zone. So, we will treat Cranborne Bullets like any other big team because they are in the Premier Soccer League.

“But our chances of surviving the chop are 1 000 percent, it’s only up to us to fight,” says Mandivei. Yadah are third from bottom with 21 points, while Bullets are on 18.

Simba Bhora, with 22 points and Black Rhinos who anchor the log, complete the bottom four going into the last 13 rounds of the season.

However, Mandivei believes his interesting piece of history will spur him in his bid to help Yadah survive the dreaded chop.

Yadah have never been relegated since 2017, when they made their Premiership debut.

“For most people, mine seemed like an impossible mission, if you consider that I was just a church usher some seven years ago.

“But those who leave everything in the hands of God eventually see His hand in everything they do.”

Mandivei was born and bred in the famous Tagarika Flats, Mbare. He attributes his rise to PHD founder Walter Magaya.

Magaya is a staunch football supporter, who sometimes spends time with the players during training sessions.

“I decided to be a ministry worker in 2016 and I was operating under the ushering department. Yadah was there but I was still a young boy and didn’t have the courage to go and challenge for a jersey, so I would train with some local Division Three teams.” But in 2018, there was a sudden transformation in Mandivei’s career.

“There was a Sports Day happening at the Yadah hotel and there were a lot of teams from the church’s various departments, which included security, house décor, ushers. There was also a team of juniors. I decided to play for the juniors’ team. Yadah’s senior team was there but it did not take part. So, Prophet Magaya was watching and after the games, he called some of us and told us he wanted us to play for the seniors. He gave us some tips and we followed them. From that day, I started training with the senior team,” revealed Mandivei.

In 2019, Mandivei was registered as a junior but did not get any playing time. He emerged from his shell in the 2021/2022 season in which he missed only three league games.

“Yadah has become more like my skin,” he added.

“The team has done a lot of good things for me, including giving me an opportunity to play for the national Under-23.”

Mandivei was part of the Young Warriors side that played in the 2019 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nelson Chadya, Prince Dube, Obriel Chirinda, Delic Murimba, Peace Makaha, Shadreck Nyahwa, Mbongeni Ndlovu, Tatenda Tavengwa and Anelka Chivandire were some of the members of that squad that was under the guidance of Tonderai Ndiraya.

“So far, I can’t complain much about how my career has progressed. As we all know, Rome wasn’t built in one day. I am lucky to be at Yadah, where we are always getting some life skills and guidance. Prophet Magaya is more like a father to us. He helps a lot, be it physically, because he also trains us, spiritually or financially. Right now, he is constructing a stadium for us, where we can showcase our God-given talents.”

Yadah coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe has benefitted from Mandivei’s self-discipline.

“Clive (Mandivei) is a quality defender, very level-headed and that’s why he has been playing regularly for the team,” said Jongwe.

“He is quite a hardworking young man, very committed to the game. Personally, as a coach, I rely on him.”

Jongwe is likely to partner Mandivei and Kadamanja at centre back when his side takes on Bullets.

“The fact that Cranborne Bullets are also fighting relegation makes this a very difficult game,” said Jongwe.

“Cranborne Bullets feel their road to survival starts with us, so they will come out strong and determined.”

Mandivei is one of the many players who have used Yadah as a stepping stone.

Dynamos’ find of the season Tanaka Shandirwa, Issa Sadiki and former Young Warriors winger Leeroy Mavhunga are some of the notable players, who passed through Yadah.

X: @LangtonGuraz