Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
JAPHET Mparutsa, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest goalkeepers after Independence, has revealed that he could have worn the famous black-and-white colours of Highlanders, but Peter “Captain Oxo” Nkomo stood in his way.
Mparutsa, who starred for Black Rhinos, Dynamos and Darryn T, made the stunning revelation while reminiscing about his career and his special relationship with Barbourfields Stadium and Highlanders supporters.
Nkomo was Highlanders’ long-serving goalkeeper from 1977 to 1994 and remains one of the club’s most iconic goalkeepers.
Mparutsa, who also turned out for Bloemfontein Celtics in South Africa, said Barbourfields became his “second home” despite spending much of his career as a Highlanders opponent.
“Barbourfields Stadium was my second home ground. Every time I stepped onto that pitch, I felt something special. I always enjoyed playing at Barbourfields. The atmosphere, the supporters, the noise from the stands, everything gave me extra motivation to enjoy my football,” wrote Mparutsa on his Facebook wall this week.
The former Warriors, Under-20 and Under-23 goalkeeper said his early battles against Bosso were anything but friendly, with supporters making their feelings known whenever he lined up against their beloved team.
But his performances eventually won them over.
“At first, I used to feel like an enemy of the Highlanders supporters. Whenever I played against Highlanders, they would make their feelings known. But as I continued to perform and give my best on the pitch, something beautiful happened.
“Those same supporters who once saw me as an enemy started appreciating me. With time, many of them became my supporters too. That is something I will always remember and treasure,” Mparutsa said.
One moment that helped win over the Bosso faithful was a stunning one-handed save from a fierce Madinda Ndlovu effort.
But the biggest revelation was that Mparutsa could actually have become a Highlanders player.
“There is also a special part of my story involving Highlanders Football Club. If Peter Nkomo had not been at Highlanders at that time, I believe I could have joined the club. But because of the respect I had for Peter, I could not do that. My respect for him was very important to me,” he said.
Mparutsa’s career earned him admiration even from rival supporters, with his commanding performances between the sticks making him one of the most feared goalkeepers of his generation.
He also paid tribute to Highlanders fans for filling Barbourfields during his playing days.
“Looking back now, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the Highlanders supporters who used to come to Barbourfields Stadium to watch us play. Thank you for understanding me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for accepting me, even when I was once considered your opponent,” continued Mparutsa, who was affectionately nicknamed Shortcat.
For Mparutsa, Barbourfields remains more than just a football stadium — it is a place where he says he forged some of the most treasured memories of his career.
“Football has given me many memories, but Barbourfields will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my second home ground a place where I played with joy, built memories, and eventually won the hearts of people who once saw me as their enemy. To all the Highlanders supporters: thank you for being part of my story.”
