admin
Eddie Chikamhi Senior Sports Reporter
THE late Dynamos legend, Isaac Nhema, who died in Harare on Tuesday night, has been described as a tough tackling defender who took no prisoners during his heyday.
Nhema died at Sally Mugabe Hospital after suffering a minor stroke. He was 75.
Former Dynamos players that spoke to The Herald yesterday said Nhema was a key player for his era. Nhema played in rightback position for close to 15 years until 1982 when a new generation of players began sprouting in post-Independent Zimbabwe.
Dynamos legend, Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, yesterday said Nhema belonged to the earlier group of players, during the late 1960s and 1970s, that set the benchmark for future generations under the mentorship of the late DeMbare great, Obadiah “Wasu” Sarupinda.
“He (Nhema) was a very good character, a bit on the quieter side. But, just as was the case with many quiet players, he was a no-nonsense man on the pitch.
“He was such a good player you could count on. When I arrived at Dynamos (in 1977), he had been there for some time. He was such a helpful personality, especially to new members.
“It was not always easy for new guys at Dynamos but he was one of the senior players that helped me a lot to settle in the team.
“But, like I said, he was ruthless when duty called. He did his defensive duties well. I remember at some point we played together with his younger brother, who was in the reserve side, but when we met in the practice games you would think they don’t know each other. He was just like that,” said Chidzambwa.
Nhema is the sixth DeMbare legend to die this year after Simon Sachiti, Misheck Chidzambwa, David “Yogi” Mandigora, the legendary George “Mastermind” Shaya and Douglas Chingoka, who passed way two weeks ago.
“I last met him at the late George Shaya’s funeral and he was still the same Isaac Nhema that we used to play football with. He had not changed much.
“I was troubled very much when I heard about his death. It’s difficult to accept for anyone.
“May God comfort the family during this difficult time of mourning,” said Chidzambwa.
Nhema won a total of six league championships and several other trophies that included the Nyore-Nyore Shield, BAT Rose Bowl, Chibuku Trophy and the Castle Cup, in a career spanning close to 15 years.
He had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with some of the pre-Independence Dynamos greats that included the legendary Shaya, Shepherd Murape, Kuda Muchemeyi, Shaw “Kojak” Handriade and Simon Sachiti.
The side also had Shadreck Ngwenya, Oliver “Flying Saucer” Kateya, David Phiri, Charles Gwatidzo, Barnard Chidziva, Hilario Nengari, Matthew Mwale, John Revai, Cremio Mapfumo, Enock “Mujibha” Pakamisa, George Yoyo and David George.
Most of the players of this generation are now late. One of the surviving members, David “Broomboy” George, said it was disheartening that the club keeps losing key men who played a part in building its heritage.
“When I joined Dynamos around 1974-75, he (Nhema) was already there. These guys had set the bar high, winning titles and almost all the silverware on offer during those early days of the club’s existence.
“Nhema was very focused on his game. He was a hard man in defence. He was very ruthless in his style of play and was in the mould of the likes of Angirayi Chapo who came in later.
“It’s sad that we keep losing these great men who helped make Dynamos the biggest and most successful club in Zimbabwe,” said George.
Debate has raged over the years whether the 1976 class, which Nhema was part of, was the best ever DeMbare team after they won five of six cup tournaments and scoring 67 goals in 19 cup fixtures over the season.
Legend has it that this Dynamos team was so good it made South African football legend Jomo Sono cry after they staged an incredible comeback against Orlando Pirates to win the Southern Africa Club Championship in 1976.
In fact, DeMbare won the league title that year, the Nyore Nyore Charity Shield, BAT Rosebowl and the then country’s premier knockout competition, the Castle Cup, before capping it all by getting crowned the Southern African Champions of Champions after beating Orlando Pirates in the two-legged final.
They only missed the Chibuku Trophy where they were edged 2-1 by Zimbabwe Saints in the semi-finals.
But they did exact revenge upon Saints when they met in that same season’s Castle Cup final and hammered them 8-1.
Dynamos also thrashed Chibuku Shumba 8-0 in the final of the Nyore Nyore Shield, with the late Daniel “Dhidhidhi” Ncube scoring five times.
Dynamos also flexed their muscles in the region as they demonstrated against Pirates. During that year, Orlando Pirates were led by arguably the best player to emerge from South Africa — the legendary “Crown Prince of Soweto” Jomo Sono.
Pirates took what looked a healthy lead in the first leg when they beat DeMbare 5-3 in the first leg played in Johannesburg.
But Dynamos, who were then popularly known as “Hainangozi”, hit back at a packed and rain-soaked Rufaro when they walloped Pirates 4-1 in the return leg.
Orlando’s two-goal advantage from the first leg was wiped out, enabling Dynamos to lift the Southern Africa Club Championship on a 7-6 aggregate score.
So painful was the defeat to a well-oiled Dynamos machine that Sono cried after the final whistle at Rufaro.
Former Dynamos player David Phiri, who was part of the 1976 class, still vividly remembers the events.
“I remember in the 1976 season we beat Orlando Pirates and then Jomo Sono ended in tears. He could not stomach the defeat; he was very passionate but Dynamos were a very competitive side.
“Myself and Nhema we were part of the side and we played in those games. Nhema was a hard tackler, a very good defender who played for Dynamos for a long time. We played together for several years and won many silverwares.
“I would want to send my hear tfelt condolences to the Nhema family and to the Dynamos family as well,” said Phiri.
Mourners are gathered at house number 2359 Wedza Road in Glen Norah A. A family spokesperson said Nhema’s body is expected to be ferried to his family home in Buhera for burial tomorrow.
Online Reporter