Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
DEVON Chafa isn’t done yet.
The 34-year-old midfielder, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated footballers, has added yet another medal to his glittering collection.
He helped Hardrock to win the Central Region Soccer League at the weekend.
This latest success story takes his tally to eight league championship medals across two divisions.
Chafa won four straight titles with Dynamos between 2011 and 2014.
He lifted another title with CAPS United in 2016 and then added two more with FC Platinum in 2018 and 2019. He played a small part in helping the now defunct Eagles gain promotion from the Eastern Region in 2008.
“It’s a huge milestone because it was a hard journey. At some point we trailed by eight points,” Chafa told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“There was a time we couldn’t believe Sheasham could be beaten until we did the Houdini act, and everyone in the league started believing they could be beaten. So it’s just something that can’t be explained.”
That comeback, capped by their win over MSU, etched Hardrock into Zimbabwean football history.
The team will now bring top-flight football to Kwekwe’s Chahwanda, a facility built by their owner, Shepherd Chahwanda.
A quiet man by nature but loud in his commitment, Chahwanda has poured millions into football development in his hometown.
“Chahwanda’s actions speak volumes, more than the quiet and media shy nature he has.
“We would like to thank him for making the nation believe we can bring back international football to Zimbabwe,” said Chafa.
The veteran midfielder isn’t done yet.
“I don’t know what lies ahead or what the future holds but given the chance I would love to continue with the Hardrock project going into the PSL,” he said. “Kwekwe is soccer crazy. The people love their football, and the town has a rich football history.
“Now they’ll have the chance to watch PSL football at Chahwanda Stadium.”
Kwekwe still have something to cheer about.
While Kwekwe United are heading for the drop, Hardrock have kept the city of gold shining by securing a place in next season’s Premier Soccer League.
The newly-crowned Central Region Soccer League champions sealed promotion last weekend after beating MSU 2-0 at Baghdad.
It was a victory driven by the experience of serial championship winner Chafa.
