dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda
THEY play for different Premier Soccer League clubs, separated by hundreds of kilometres, but they are united by one common denominator.
Warriors’ man of the moment and Manica Diamonds star striker, Michael Tapera and versatile Herentals player Godfrey “Marabha” Mukambi have a spiritual connection, as they both subscribe to the same belief.
They go to the same church and are mentored by the same clergyman, Prophet Tinashe Siwela of Gomo Rema Answer Interdenominational in Chitungwiza.
Both Tapera and Mukambi are residents of Chitungwiza, although the former plies his trade in Manicaland with the Gem Boys.
Tapera is riding on a crest after scoring on his debut for Zimbabwe, who beat Comoros 1-0 in a Cosafa Cup Group B match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
He is also having a decent season with Manica Diamonds who sit second on the log standings behind FC Platinum.
The 26-year-old striker, who has five league goals, was also named the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Player of the Month for May.
Interestingly, Michael Tapera, who is not related to coach Jairos Tapera, has revealed that his goal against Comoros was foretold by Prophet Siwela.
“The first day I went there, sometime last year, the prophet predicted that I would play for the national team and I would score an important goal,” revealed Tapera.
“Recently, he said to me, I want you to play in the COSAFA tournament, and I believed in him and just kept my faith.
“So, I can say it has been God since day one and I am dedicating this COSAFA goal to Prophet Siwela.
“I also thought a lot about my parents after I scored that goal against Comoros.”
Tapera’s parents are both late.
His father Owen, died in 2006 when he was only eight, while his mother, Josephine, passed away in 2019.
“I wish they were still here to enjoy this moment but such is life. We live at the mercy of the Almighty,” added Tapera, who was raised in Chivi.
He played for Masvingo United before ex-Gem Boys coach Johanisi Nhumwa took him to Manica Diamonds in 2018.
Nhumwa was then replaced by Jairos Tapera in 2022.
While Michael Tapera has taken his goal scoring instincts to the international stage, his church mate Mukambi has been the mainstay at Paul Benza’s Herentals.
The 32-year-old Mukambi, who can play as a centre back or as a defensive midfielder, has scored three goals for Herentals.
Mukambi attributes his resurgence to his newfound belief in God.
The former Dynamos man claims that he is now a born-again Christian, and is speaking a lot against the use of juju and drugs amongst footballers.
“I have been playing football for a long time and I have encountered a lot of things, but I have never used juju,” Mukambi told Zimpapers Sport.
“But I have also realised something . . . talent alone is not enough, one needs to pray to God.
“Kubata mushonga harisi bhora, neither is drinking or abusing drugs a solution to our problems as footballers.
“I am indebted to Prophet Siwela who has changed my life completely. He is showing me the way and the results are evident.
“I have scored three goals this season, which is a first and I believe it’s the work of God,” said Mukambi.
He has a decade long experience in the Premier Soccer League and has turned out for a number of top-flight clubs including Border Strikers, Tsholotsho, Dynamos, Yadah and now Herentals.
“I feel I still have a long way to go before I hang up my boots.
“I am enjoying my game at Herentals and I believe soon the team will challenge for top honours.”
Mukambi helped Herentals to the final of the Chibuku Super Cup in 2022.
The Students, however, lost 0-1 against Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields.
Online Reporter