Online Reporter
B-Metro Reporter
ZIMBABWE football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former Dynamos captain and Warriors hardman Angirayi “Durawall” Chapo.
The no-nonsense right-back, famed for his bone-crunching tackles and fearless overlaps, died on Tuesday at his home in Mufakose. He was 61.
Chapo earned his nickname “The Durawall” for being near-impossible to beat on the flank. He anchored a Dynamos backline that was among the most feared in local football, rubbing shoulders with shot-stopper Peter Fanuel, defensive ironman Francis Shonhayi, Henry Chari and the marauding Stanley Chirambadare.
A true son of Mufakose, Chapo was part of a generation of township stars who found glory in the famous blue of DeMbare. He joined Dynamos in 1984 after being recruited by former midfielder Clayton Munemo and quickly rose through the ranks to wear the captain’s armband.
His defensive grit earned him a place in the national team where he became a Warriors regular. Chapo was part of the heartbreak squad that came within touching distance of an Africa Cup of Nations qualification in 1991, only to be denied after a 2-2 draw with Congo Brazzaville at the National Sports Stadium.
Alongside fellow Mufakose heroes like Munemo, Memory Mucherahohwa, Simon Chuma, the late Gift Mpariwa and the Mangwiro brothers Taurai and Nyaro, Chapo wrote his name into local football folklore.
“He was a rock. The Durawall nickname said it all,” said a former teammate last night. “You knew with him at right-back, the team had nothing to fear.”
Tributes have poured in from fans and former players alike, hailing him as a warrior who embodied the true Dynamos fighting spirit.
Chapo’s death is another heavy blow to the local football fraternity which continues to lose its golden generation of 80s and 90s stars.
Funeral arrangements were still being finalised at the time of going to press.
