dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni
SIMBA Bhora defender Isheanesu Mauchi has revealed how Yadah captain, Vincent ‘Apostle’ Sango, turned him into a man before the start of this campaign.
Sango gave Mauchi a torrid time during a pre-season friendly match at the Heart Stadium.
When the first half ended, Sango approached Mauchi as they were making their way to the changing rooms.
That conversation, said Mauchi, turned him into a beast.
“It was the worst first 45 minutes of my career because I had never played against a winger who could dribble the way Sango does.
“Sango made me a laughing stock and I was surprised when he came to me, on our way to the dressing rooms, telling me where I was getting it wrong.
“At first it made no sense but as I processed every detail, I started to appreciate him even more.
“He advised me to apply everything which he had said and I had a better second half. I thanked him after the match.”
He also hailed coach Tonderai Ndiraya and his teammates for helping him complete his turnaround.
Mauchi went on to become a regular face in the Simba Bhora team which won the Castle Lager Premiership title.
He formed a fine back-three combination with Webster Tafa and Blessing Moyo in the team’s 3-5-2 formation.
The 21-year-old also caught the attention of national team selectors as he was part of the 23 players who were picked for the COSAFA Cup.
Sango told Zimpapers Sport he is delighted to see Mauchi winning the championship.
“I remember the day we played against Simba Bhora during pre-season, I was really worried that he was not going to make it if he listened to the fans.
“I advised him to be tough and to ignore the way I move. I told him to keep his eyes on the ball and he improved a lot after the restart and from that moment I knew he was going to play a huge role for his team.
“He has everything a coach can ask for in a defender.
“I also told him how his huge body was intimidating to the forwards and I watched him many times bullying strikers. I’m proud of him.”
Online Reporter