Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
JOEL LUPAHLA respects Lloyd “Ma Blanyo’’ Chigowe not only as one of his mentors, but also for behaving like a “true father to a son’’ when the duo worked closely at Dynamos.
Lupahla was Chigowe’s chosen assistant at DeMbare last season, and together they masterminded the Harare giants’ successful defence of the Chibuku Super Cup title.
While Chigowe has remained at Dynamos, Lupahla was snatched by defending Premiership champions Simba Bhora.
He moved to the Shamva outfit as a replacement for championship-winning coach Tonderai Ndiraya, who is now at Scottland.
Simba Bhora and Dynamos clash at Rufaro Stadium on Saturday in a season-opening Castle Challenge Cup — a match-up between the league winners and those who won the Chibuku Super Cup.
Such is Lupahla’s respect for Chigowe that he is likening his situation to that of Mikel Arteta when he left Manchester City for Arsenal in December 2019.
Arteta served as Pep Guardioala’s assistant at City for three years before he was appointed the Arsenal manager.
And Arteta’s first match against Manchester City and his former boss was a 3-0 drubbing at the Etihad on June 17, 2020.
Just like Arteta’s momentous return to the Etihad during Covid-19, Lupahla returns to Rufaro to face his mentor Chigowe in the Castle Challenge Cup.
The clash is the curtain raiser for the 2025 Premier Soccer League season, which is expected to kick off early March.
Both Chigowe and Lupahla are treating the match with the respect it deserves.
“This is a cup final and remember you can start your season with a gold medal on your neck,’’ Lupahla told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
“I know Dynamos would also want that and that makes it an interesting duel.
“My club president, Simba Ndoro, and club chairpersonn, Isaiah Mpfurutsa, have emphasised the importance of this match. A win will help boost our confidence going into the difficult season which we are facing.”
Simba Bhora were deserted by a number of players who were instrumental in leading them to their maiden championship title.
These include reigning Soccer Star of the Year Walter Musona and one of the soccer stars finalists Tymon Machope.
Gritty defensive midfielder Tichaona Chipunza and Mtokhozisi Msebe also left the Shamva-based side.
Luckily for Simba Bhora, they have been quick to plug the holes created by the departures by making some astute signings, bringing in former Dynamos midfielder Donald Mudadi, highly rated Blessed Ndereki from Yadah and Emmanuel Ziocha from DeMbare.
Dynamos seem to have looked beyond the country’s borders and to the youth ranks for talent to fill the gaps left by the departures of players such as Emmanuel Paga, Sadney Urikhob, Issa Sadiki, Frank Makarati, Arthur Musiyiwa and the Moyo twins Kelvin and Elvis.
Lupahla believes “Dynamos will always be Dynamos’’, a perennial campaigner on the domestic scene.
“This game is more like a student-versus-master affair,” he said.
“Ma Blanyo (Chigowe) is my mentor.
“I remember Arteta going to the Etihad for the first time to meet Pep; it was an emotional game.
“The man (Chigowe) treated me with so much respect and I always looked up to going to work because he literally allowed me to bring my own ideas.
“Not even one day did he ever spoke ill to me or about me. I have so much respect for the man; he is both a coach and a father.’’
Chigowe got a glimpse of what to expect from his charges when the match between Dynamos and Kwekwe-based Division One side Hardrock at Baghdad Stadium ended in a goalless draw on Friday.
The veteran coach fielded a back four that had Donald Dzvinyai, Nomore Chinyerere, Tendaishe Magwaza and new signing Clive Mandivei.
Newboy and Ghanian striker Frank Agyemang was flanked by Valentine Kadonzvo and another new signing Leeroy Mavhunga upfront.
Shadreck Nyahwa is back at Dynamos after an abortive switch to GreenFuel and he partnered Temptation Chiwunga in midfield.
DeMbare paraded some new signings, including former ZPC Kariba midfielder Telmore Pio.
Chigowe was left satisfied with what he saw, after a game that was played before a packed Baghdad.
He is happy to have some experienced players in his side, including old war horse Devon Chafa, who has returned to the team.
Goalkeeper Prince Tafiremutsa, Keith Padera and Alexander Mandinyenya are also still around, while Dynamos are expecting the enterprising Emmnuel Jalai and Martin Mapisa to be part of their 2025 ensemble.
