Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
CAPS United’s Malawian international Chawanangwa Kaonga knows Joseph Kamwendo set the bar too high for him to match.
But the winger doesn’t lack in effort to get closer to that mark.
After arriving from Zambian giants Zanaco early this year, the 31-year old is having an outstanding individual season in a term the Green Machine have occasionally been off-colour.
Together with three of his compatriots Lloyd Njaliwa, Precious Phiri and Uchizi Vunga, the presence of Kamwendo in the CAPS United technical department, where he is one of the assistant coaches, helped him elect to join the giants.
It is at Makepekepe where Kamwendo wrote a remarkable script back in 2005 when he was named the first foreigner to win the Soccer Star of the Year award after helping Charles Mhlauri team win the league title.
The Flames legend was so good he would literally determine games single-handedly during a difficult period after CAPS United had been dumped by seven of their star players who absconded when the team was on duty in the United Kingdom.
Just knowing that a Malawian is revered and held in high regard not only at CAPS United but in this country is the push factor that Kaonga needs to work even harder.
He is already one of the outstanding foreigners in a league boasting over 35 expatriates after scoring five goals and setting up six others in 23 games.
“Yes coach Jose (Joseph Kamwendo) is a huge influence for some of us,” said Kaonga.
“Back in Malawi, he is a legend whose remarkable success at CAPS United is well documented and always a reference point for aspiring footballers.
“For me, and the other guys from Malawi, it’s a great honour to play for a team he starred for.
“He rubs on us that indomitable spirit, that fight and that zeal.
“And he is also available on that bench together with legendary coaches Takesure Chiragwi and Ian Bakala.
“That is really motivating on our part. You know how it is seeing a man highly regarded as Kamwendo coaching you. The inspiration is massive.”
Kaonga said he is aiming to hit double figures and hep the Green Machine.
Despite being 13 points off the pace, there is still a feeling in the CAPS United camp that they will have a say in the destiny of the title.
Makepekepe host FC Hunters at Rufaro today aiming to win their second consecutive game.
“I am here to give my best,” he said.
“I am looking at hitting double figures this season and help my team achieve set goals.
“It’s been a competitive season and for me so far so good, learning new things every day and it’s really amazing.”
