Diya’s unfulfilled dream fuels new generation

Tadious Manyepo in BEIJING, China

FORMER Dynamos goalkeeper Tichaona Diya says things could have taken a different direction had his way into the Warriors not been blocked.

At the turn of the Century, Diya walked off the game for about three years after learning that ex-Warriors coach Cle-mence Westerhorf had called him up to the national team only for his Air Zim Jets handlers to second his understudy, Shaiso Chiduku instead.

“I was so hurt when I learnt about it. It’s not like I heard about it after a long time, I learnt about it as things unfolded.

“So Westerhorf was new and I was having a game of my life, keeping nine clean sheets in nine games.

“So the coach requested for me in the Warriors squad. But the coaches, including head coach Charles Sibanda chose to second my sub, Chiduku,” he recalls.

“Maybe they wanted me to be around to continue working for the team, but I didn’t take it that way.

“I was working so hard to make the cut for the national team and when the chance came, someone decided to stand in the way.

“I had been at Dynamos before along with good goalkeepers and I had gone to Air Zim Jets to get game time.

“So I just decided that maybe football wasn’t for me and for about three years, I was home after telling myself not to return.”

But fate would draw him back into the picture, playing for Dynamos once again in 2006-2007 before former DeMbare coach David “Yogie” Mandigora (late) appointed him the team’s goalkeepers’ coach.

And the Mbare-born star would blossom to become one of the best goalkeepers’ trainer on land in history.

He mentored Willard Manyatera, Washington Arubi, George Chigova and Tatenda Mukuruva all of whom would make the cut in the national team, while also gracing the calendar.

He was the man behind all those strong hands that kept Dynamos intact at the back during their historical 2011-2014 consecutive league triumphs.

And the lanky trainer has now shifted base to settle in China where he is now moulding the next generation of not just goalkeepers, but also outfield players with the globally acclaimed Jadel Football Academy.

Diya is one of the veteran former players currently fine-tuning JFA stars for the upcoming Thaiwoo Cup and 100-Team Cup tournaments.

JFA China last week welcomed their Zimbabwe counterparts and they will go into battle starting this week in Thaiwoo, some 100km away from their current base at the heart of Beijing.

“I am very happy to be part of this visionary project fronted by former Zimbabwe youth international Walter “Ringers” Musanhu.

“We hope to make a positive impact moulding upcoming stars,” he added.

JFA are out to win the Thaiwoo Cup in all three age-categories this week while also defending the 100-Team Cup next month.

The Thaiwoo Cup will kick-off on Thursday and run until the end of this month while the 100-Team Cup will be staged between August 8-16.

While Diya is still bitter over the disappointment he suffered over two decades ago, he is working hard to see his Warriors dream manifesting in his son Christian.

The boy (10), is already making waves for JFA.

“I am very happy to be under the wings of my father,” said Christian.

“I know he is now based here in China, but being coached by him this moment makes me feel great.

“I am aiming to continue learning the ropes and hopefully, I will make it big as I grow up.”

It is not only Christian who is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps in this group.

Malcom Dinyero (12), nephew to 1988 Soccer Star of the Year Masimba, Villene Mapfumo (12) who is Warriors’ striker Douglas’ brother and Elton Makunike (11), who is nephew to the late CAPS United captain Blessing, all know exactly what they want to achieve.

“I am Masimba Dinyero’s nephew. He is my mother’s brother. I am definitely keen to follow in his footsteps.

“I know it all starts with this, thanks to JFA for this opportunity. It means I will develop even better,” said Dinyero.

Makunike said, “My father and Blessing are cousins. Blessing didn’t live long enough to see my potential, but colleagues already call me Yogo-Yogo after his nickname.

“I never saw him but I hear he was so good and I am working hard to be like him at least. JFA is helping nurture me and this exposure is massive.”