Sundaymail EditorOCTOBER, 15, 2013 is a day that will forever haunt Caps United midfielder Devon Chafa. It is the date that saw his blossoming career take a massive blow from which he is yet to fully recover.
Having previously been suspended for a month after failing a doping test, the then 22-year-old Zimbabwe international was again suspended from all football-related activities by Fifa for six months.
“The player Chafa Devon Taitamba is declared ineligible for a period of six months as of 30 August 2013 for violation of article 6 of the Fifa Anti-Doping Regulations,” wrote then Fifa disciplinary committee deputy secretary Christina Farina.
The ban had a negative psychological impact on the player as he failed to regain his form on return, and subsequently left Dynamos for How Mine in January 2015 in an attempt to resuscitate his career.
But then an ankle injury derailed his determination.
Dark clouds were gathering and it all looked gloomy.
After an uninspiring season at How Mine, the DC Academy graduate packed his bags and returned to the capital, finding a new home at Caps United.
Again, an ankle injury put paid to his revival and forced Makepekepe to omit his name from their initial 2016 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League squad. Chafa, now 25, missed 12 games in which Caps lost just once and won seven.
It was easy to forgot him.
However, last weekend at Mandava in Zvishavane, the former Kiglon central midfielder returned in style before following it up with another commanding show against Tsholotsho on Wednesday.
He is expected to play a pivotal role again today when Caps face high-riding Highlanders at Barbourfields.
“It’s always painful to be forced out at a time you are enjoying the best form,” Chafa said after his second competitive match of the year. “A lot was happening and you begin to ask yourself why all these misfortunes in a short space of time? However, quitting the game is something I never considered because the football pitch is my home.”
Before his doping drama, Chafa was a full Warriors international under German coach Klaus Dieter Pagels, and featured prominently in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
His performances against FC Platinum and Tsholotsho have seen people sitting up and taking notice – and remembering the promise he is yet to deliver on.
“It’s for you to judge, my duty is to continue working hard and playing football, maybe I must be asking you whether you think I am back to that level of 2013? I believe in God and I am hopeful I will stay fit to play to the best of my abilities,” said Chafa.
Caps United assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said Chafa had been working hard away from the media limelight.
“In fact, judging from the way he is performing, I wouldn’t be surprised if he lands a lucrative contract abroad or gets a Warriors call sooner than later. But he is experienced enough to know that two games don’t make him a Lionel Messi. He has to remain grounded,” said Kwashi.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter