dyton mupawaenda
Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter
WHEN Richard Hachiro was crowned man-of-the-match following the Warriors 2-0 victory over Zambia at the COSAFA Cup last Sunday, his mind raced back to the sudden twist of events in his life last month.
Hachiro recalls receiving a call, three days before the Warriors’ battle against Lesotho at Orlando Stadium, in the World Cup qualifiers.
The holding midfielder feels that his life is simply a series of miracles and that, sometimes, he even fails to understand himself.
“I was coming from training at Baobab when the call came through and, at first, I thought they were pranking me and as we traveled with the team all the way to the airport, so many questions were playing in my mind.
“Honestly, I had not expected a national team call-up so soon, especially with what I went through last season. I doubted myself so much.”
Hachiro endured a frustrating 2023 Premier Soccer League season as he spent the greater part of its first half on the sidelines due to injuries.
During those grueling six months, he even contemplated quitting playing professional football until his wife and father encouraged him not to give up on his dreams.
“It was unbelievable to imagine that six months ago I had given up and just as I returned into the game, I charmed the champions,” he said.
“All I was focusing on at Ngezi was to improve, I am yet to get to where I want so the national team call-ups came at a time when I least expected them.
“Throughout my journey in the qualifiers, I knew that I was facing a mammoth task and I prayed in my heart to be able to bring my A-game.
“Now at the COSAFA, this is familiar territory but I did not think I would ever bag an individual accolade like this.”
His experience was instrumental to the Warriors’ two successive wins, taking them top of the Group, with six points.
“When I bounced back into the game late last year, I was not confident that I would catch up with the guys because I had gone for six months without playing.
“But, with the help I got from my family, coach and teammates, I managed to get back on my feet.
“They were pushing me every day because they knew what I was capable of doing, at Ngezi I was welcomed by the same vibe and I believe it helped me adapt quickly.
“Now I have a role to play here, our team is made up of fairly young boys who need the guidance and motivation for them to gain confidence.”
Online Reporter