Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Dynamos captain and CAF Champions League finalist Murape Murape has urged local football fans to put aside domestic rivalries and rally behind Scottland who are representing Zimbabwe in the latest African campaign.
Murape was part of the historic Dynamos squad which reached the CAF Champions League final in 1998.
A decade later, he captained DeMbare to the semi-finals of the continent’s premier club knockout competition.
Murape, arguably one of the most popular players to wear the Dynamos shirt, is now rallying the nation to support Scottland who host Eswatini outfit Nsingizini Hotspurs at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.
“For 90 minutes on Sunday, domestic rivalries must be put aside.
“Dynamos, CAPS United, Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Ngezi Platinum and every other club this is the time to come together behind one Zimbabwean representative.
“Scottland may be a club, but in continental competition, they are carrying the Zimbabwean flag,” said Murape.
The legendary Murape is now into junior football development and is currently in Spain with Real Oviedo Academy, who are in a partnership with Spanish side Real Oviedo.
“The past few weeks at Real Oviedo in Spain have been phenomenal.
“Our players have stepped directly into an elite European football environment and have adapted remarkably well to the technical tempo, tactical demands and professional standards expected at this level,” revealed Murape.
He might be in Spain but football events at home have not escaped his attention.
The CAF Champions League match between Scottland and Nsingizini Hotspurs has sent Murape down memory lane. The preliminary round first leg encounter will be staged at the National Sports, which was recently given the nod by CAF, following months of renovation.
However, a maximum of 15 000 fans will be allowed inside the giant facility, as part of the testing process.
“The National Sports Stadium brings back powerful memories for me, “ Murape told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“I remember the atmosphere of 1998, when we played Hearts of Oak at the National Sports Stadium and then that unforgettable afternoon in 2008 at Rufaro, when we beat Zamalek.
“Those weren’t just football matches, they were moments when Zimbabwean football came alive and the supporters were a massive part of those occasions.
“That is the atmosphere we need on Sunday,” said Murape.
Dynamos remain the only local club to reach the CAF Champions League final and Murape believes the crowd played a crucial role back then.
In 2008, DeMbare reached the last four after edging Egyptian giants Zamalek 1-0 in front of a capacity crowd at Rufaro.
“Having worn the armband and experienced continental football, I can tell you that players feel the crowd.
“When thousands of voices are pushing you forward, that support can give you another level of energy.
“So my message to Zimbabwe is simple, forget the club badge you normally wear for 90 minutes and wear the Zimbabwean badge.
“Fill up the National Sports Stadium. Make it loud. Make it intimidating.”
Murape believes with the right mentality, Scottland can make “a serious impact” in Africa.
“Success in the CAF Champions League is not determined by talent alone.
“Teams must adapt quickly to the intensity, pressure and unpredictability of continental football.
“It is knockout football and small moments can determine everything,” reckoned Murape.
