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Langton Nyakwenda
THINGS are unfolding fast for Caps United centre back Stephen Makatuka, who only four years ago was playing “money games” in rural Binga.
Makatuka earned his Warriors debut three weeks ago and put up a good show when Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-1 in the first leg of the final CHAN qualifier at Barbourfields.
Last Sunday, he got rave reviews again after putting on another solid performance in the return leg in Maseru as the Warriors held Likuena to a 1-1 draw to book a place at next year’s finals in Rwanda.
On the domestic front, the 27-year-old former Hippo Valley defender has transformed himself into Caps United’s defensive pillar.
Much is expected of him when Makepekepe host Triangle in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match at the National Sports this afternoon.
Caps United are seventh on the log with 37 points and are involved in a tight top four battle involving Triangle, Hwange, Harare City and Chapungu.
Although defensive linkman Dominic Mukandi and rejuvenated Joel “Josta” Ngodzo have been highly instrumental in Caps United’s revival since the arrival of coach Lloyd Chitembwe, Makatuka’s Trojan horse like shows have also been a marvel.
The Caps United board has ordered Chitembwe to start identifying players for next season’s title push and the gaffer has already given the trio the thumbs up.
“My biggest achievement so far is getting Caps United back to competitive levels expected of such a big team,” said Chitembwe.
“You look at Dominic (Mukandi) and Josta (Ngodzo), they have worked themselves up and they are now the kind of players we want at Caps United.
“Then you have Makatuka, a player who gives us a lot in terms of leadership. A lot of things are happening for him, these are fruits of the hard work he puts in at training.”
In his hour of glory, Makatuka cannot forget how his career took a memorable twist in 2011 when he had a chance meeting with former Kiglon and Hippo Valley coach Ralph Kawondera in Hwange.
“Hwange was our main town then and we used to travel there from Binga to play money games.
“By chance, Kawondera watched one of our social games, he liked my style and immediately ordered me to concentrate on turning professional.
“The following year he took me to Hippo Valley, that is how I ended up in Chiredzi,” revealed Makatuka.
At Hippo Valley, Makatuka played in the same team with Dominic Chungwa, Ronald Pfumbidzai, David Chipala and Patrick Kumbula.
In 2013, they all moved to Caps United save for Kumbula who joined Dynamos.
“That was a dream move but at first it was difficult adjusting. Now I can say the confidence levels are high.
“The experience with the Warriors has been fantastic, there is stiff competition in the national team, you get to meet different players, different characters and that is good exposure.
“I am sure the experienced gained in those two games against Lesotho will be crucial for me as a player and for Caps United as we seek to finish in a respectable position.
“We do not want to put ourselves under pressure by declaring a top four target, what we are after is a respectable position, one that will ensure that we are eligible for any knockout tournament that comes up in 2016,” said Makatuka.Some call him “Rough Diamond” while some now call him “Hacksaw”. His father is of Tanzanian origin, his mother was born in Zimbabwe but her parents are Zambian, the reason why Makatuka is multi-lingual.
“That is also the reason why that other time it took me time to sort out my passport when I was called up for the Warriors by Ian Gorowa,” he explained.
Today’s Fixture
Caps United v Triangle (NSS)
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