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Bruce Chikuni
Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS skipper Frank Makarati had a brush with death, just hours after his team’s return from a CAF Confederation Cup football assignment.
The DeMbare centre-back was involved in a car accident in Harare’s Waterfalls suburb near the Prospect intersection around midnight on Monday, while on way to his Chitungwiza home.
Makarati had featured for Dynamos in their second preliminary round defeat by Orapa United at Obed Itani Chilume stadium in Francistown, the Harare giants falling 3-1 on penalties after incurring a 1-0 loss in regulation time that had left the tie balanced at 1-1 on aggregate.
He was in the company of Dynamos teammate Tendaishe Magwaza when his Ford Ranger vehicle rolled over twice.
Both players were fortunate to escape with minor injuries and were taken to Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in the same suburb where they were treated and discharged.
Makarati, whose career has been blighted by injuries, was still in shock yesterday as he recounted the horror.
He credited Magwaza for helping him emerge from the accident with minor injuries.
“I don’t recall what happened before the crash. But I firmly believe Tendaishe’s presence saved my life. It’s as if some divine force intervened,” Makarati said.
“If I were alone, it could have been fatal.
“Tendaishe’s angels joined forces with mine, shielding me from some terrible fate.
“I strongly believe that if I was alone in that car, something terrible could have happened,” said Makarati.
Makarati revealed that Magwaza, who stays in Budiriro, had insisted on putting up at his place when Dynamos arrived back from Botswana.
He believes his teammate’s presence was “God-sent”.
“For a moment, I thought I was dead. But when your time hasn’t come, God protects you and those who depend on you.
“We are more than friends, Magwaza is not a stranger to my house because he is always there, but I was surprised when he said he would go to his home the following morning.
“We even joked about it and I remember telling him to go home since we were coming as far as Botswana, but he argued that he was not going to change his mind.
“It is very ironic and in the end, I can only give all the glory to God because nobody knows what could have been the situation right now,” added Makarati.
After being discharged from the hospital, Makarati later sought some spiritual guidance at his Church.
Despite the pair of Makarati and Magwaza often competing for the central defensive roles at Dynamos, they are close friends. Magwaza was not immediately available for comment, he is said to have earned plaudits and respect from the Makarati family, who appreciate the friendship the two players enjoy on and off the field.
Dynamos have little time to rest and coach Lloyd Chigowe and his medical crew are set to make their checks on the fitness and availability of the duo of Makarati and Magwaza for the resumption of their Premiership duties.
Chigowe’s men face Herentals at Rufaro on Saturday.
In their first league meeting of the 2024 season, Dynamos and Herentals drew 1-1 at the same venue.
Online Reporter