Makarati settling well in the DeMbare cockpit

Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter 

WHEN 2022 Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year second runner up Frank Makarati accepted the Dynamos armband early this year, he had no idea of what he was getting himself into.

In fact, having captained Border Strikers and Ngezi Platinum Stars respectively before, the imposing Defender presumed that this would be like any other armband he has held before.

Makarati assumed captaincy following the departure of Partson Jaure, who was shown the exit door after the expiry of his contract on December 31, 2022.

Jaure left together with Godknows Murwira, Trevor Mavunga, Alex Orotomal, Albert Eonde and Martin Ofori as the Glamour Boys embarked on a massive clear-out ahead of season 2023.

Having failed to win the league title since 2014, changing coaches six times between then and now, the club had to rope in Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa to steer the club.

Maruwa then entrusted Makarati to lead from the back with high-profile new defenders, including Kelvin Moyo, Donald Dzvinyai, Elvis Moyo, Wilmore Chimbetu and Tandaishe Magwaza.

Emmanuel Jalai and Kevin Moyo were appointed as the first and second vice-captains.

However, eight games into the season, Makarati has come to understand the mammoth task and pressure that comes with the precious armband.

“At first, I thought it was an ordinary armband but I have realised that this one is unique,” chuckled the skipper.

“It is like carrying the entire nation on your shoulders, my role entails pushing the team in the good and bad times, reminding them what the blue jersey means to us and the nation.”

Dynamos currently sit on position four on the log standings with 11 points, three behind log leaders Highlanders.

While DeMbare are enjoying a purple patch, it is Makarati’s role to remind them not to be complacent or get carried away. 

At Dynamos, he said every day comes with a huge challenge hence the need to put their act together whenever they play.

“We have to play like it is a cup final, there is no easy game here because every team that we face always wants to prove a point so we are on our toes daily,” he said.

“As players, we need consistency, I have learnt that if you want to be good at Dynamos, you cannot be in form one day and off the other day.

“Our supporters do not tolerate that so it is my role to push the boys… to be a DeMbare player you also need a big character.

“This season we have a lot of new and young players who are yet to grasp the concept and dynamics of the club and I have to be there.”

Recently the giant team suffered a heart breaking 3-2 defeat against Bulawayo Chiefs which saw them tumble from the log’s top teams to position seven, four points behind leaders Caps United.

This left the proverbial ‘seven million’ supporters agitated, baying for the coach and some of the players’ blood.

Makarati said this was a lesson to the fresh blood as they are now well aware of what their supporters expect on any day.

“The club has always made it clear from the first day that they are gunning for the championship so you can imagine the pressure,” he said.

“From the Bulawayo Chiefs experience, the youngsters now understand what happens here if you win or when you lose.”

Just last week the Maruwa led side walked away with the bragging rights after classically walloping bitter rivals Caps United 2-0 in the prestigious Harare Derby.

From that outing, they left fans charmed as they showed-off some class and enthusiasm in the game. It was Makarati’s first derby as the skipper and he had to employ some of the lessons he learnt during his stint as a player at DeMbare to lead the team. He recalls telling his charges that they needed nothing but a win.

“I learnt that there are not two ways about a derby match, it is a must win because a lot will be at stake.”

“That is how DeMbare has always been like, I have to be a voice of reason and shock absorber because the fans also hold us accountable. “When we play, we remind each other that we are doing it for DeMbare and the seven million souls so we should step on the field and give it our all.”

When Dynamos face Triangle United tomorrow, they have a duty to appease their supporters, said the DeMbare skipper.

“We need to appease them, they keep us busy and that is what we love.”