It’s all about pride — Chafa

Don Makanyanga

DEVON CHAFA is one of the few players with first-hand experience of the “pressure cooker” environment that usually engulfs the dressing rooms of both CAPS United and Dynamos ahead of the Harare Derby.

The decorated midfielder, who has seven league titles to his name, has won championships with both CAPS United and Dynamos.

With most sports fans turning their attention on today’s latest edition of the derby at the National Sports Stadium, Chafa described the looming showdown as a game where “everything is at stake”.

“The Harare Derby is more than a match itself; there is a lot at stake when these two teams clash.

“It is a game where everything is at stake but mostly, it is the bragging rights at the end of the day.

“And, fortunately, I have had an opportunity to experience the feeling in both camps,” said Chafa.

“Both CAPS United and Dynamos have joyous and colourful sets of fans who light up the derby.

“The bragging rights are also critical; they push the players for better results, and this leads to a good game when the two sides meet.”

The veteran midfielder almost joined Dynamos again at the beginning of the last season after being lured by his uncle and DeMbare chief scout, Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigowe.

But, as was the case last season, he will have to face a Dynamos side that both his uncle and mother support.

“Yes, he may be with Dynamos and I am at CAPS United, but to be honest, the Harare Derby is not anything that we have discussed.

“In fact, we rarely talk about football with him (Mablanyo),” he said.

Early pacesetters CAPS United have had a fine start to the season.

“We just want to preserve our pride.

“Like I said, we want to give our fans and the CAPS United fraternity something to smile about, and I am glad that we have done that so far, and we want to keep on doing that.”

Although focussed on today’s game, Chafa, who is arguably one of the most decorated Premiership players, is chasing another milestone.

He wants to add to the seven league titles currently under his belt.

“As a player, I am never satisfied.

“I want to add another league medal to my cabinet, while, as a team, it is all about protecting the pride and integrity of the club, hence we want to give it a go and fight for everything till the end,” he said.

“Everyone is determined to do his best, and I think our good start to the season is because of the hard work                   that is being put by everyone at the club.”