adminBruce Chikuni
THEY now call him Kante.
But, just two years ago midfielder Tanaka Shandirwa was virtually unknown on the domestic football front. And, for a good reason, too.
He was working as a general worker at a tobacco company, together with his childhood friend, Tinotenda Mutyambizi, from Triangle.
Mutyambizi was club-hunting at that time, as he had enjoyed a stint in the Premiership with the now defunct Mushowani Stars. Shandirwa was just 20 and, coming from an underprivileged background, he was forced to look for a job to supplement the family’s income. But, he would use each time he got off to play football at the Zimbabwe Grounds in Highfield.
The idea of one day playing in the PSL was just a distant dream then.
However, loading haulage trucks and pushing wheelbarrows became unbearable for Shandirwa and Mutyambizi. Mutyambizi eventually threw in the towel but, for Shandirwa, quitting was not an option.
“It was very difficult for me to stop working as a general hand because things were not good at home.
“It’s something I don’t regret because it really helped my family and it’s a phase which I can look back and thank God for helping me to overcome,” said Shandirwa.
He reunited with Mutyambizi and they went for trials at CAPS United, but they both failed to make the grade.
But, the duo kept on believing and Yadah Stars was their next destination.
In no time, coach Genesis Mangombe, was impressed and signed them. Shandirwa played a significant role in helping the Miracle Boys survive relegation in his debut season last year. Many Dynamos’ fans were happy when the Glamour Boys made overtures to lure the industrious midfielder.
“Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that I’m now a Dynamos player.
“It’s something I never imagined, but it’s all happening because of the power of prayer. There are people who actually still think I will be lying to them when I tell them that I’m now at Dynamos.
“It gives me so much energy to keep going because I’m not dreaming of staying at Dynamos for a long time.
“I’m still dreaming big.”
Mutyambizi joined Triangle United last season after spending just six months with Yadah Stars.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter