Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Warriors goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro is revelling in his latest appointment as interim national team goalkeepers’ coach for the remaining 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Ghana, Eithiopia and South Africa.
Murambadaro was handpicked for the job by Warriors interim head coach Norman Mapeza, who replaced axed Croatian Zdravko Logarušic following poor performances since his appointment.
Murambadaro was the Warriors’ goalkeeper when Zimbabwe made its debut appearance in the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
“It’s big honour for me to be part of the Warriors’ technical team. It’s not everyone who gets that opportunity and as such I’m really humbled. I thank coach Mapeza for recommending me.
Mapeza is a very professional coach and being recognised by such a professional person is a great thing. I pray that the Almighty instils a spirit of working together so that we do the right things for the benefit of the nation,” said Murambadoro
“My hope is that we will help the current crop of players to bring back the glory days. We made our names and it’s actually pleasing to walk in the streets and people recognise us because of the good performances with the Warriors.
The current players also have that potential.”
The imposing Murambadoro hung up his gloves at South Africa Premiership side AmaZulu in mid-2019 at the age of 37 after a professional career spanning 18 years. He made his debut in 2001 at Premier Soccer League side Caps United.
Murambadoro landed his first job as goalkeepers’ coach at Chicken Inn in 2020 and says he already feels at home since taking over from Tirivaviri Sithole.
“Chicken Inn gave me my first official job as goalkeepers’ coach following my retirement.
“They approached me in late 2019 and I accepted the offer. Remember I was once coached by Joey Antipas and Prince Matore at AmaZulu, so I’m very much comfortable at Chicken Inn,” said the soft-spoken former goalie, who became only the second keeper after the legendary Japhet M’parutsa, to win the Soccer Star of the Year gong in 2003.
At the Gamecocks, Murambadoro mentors former senior national team goalkeeper Donovan Bernard and the experienced duo of Pride Zendera and Samuel Mafukidze in the senior team set up.
He grew up in Gokwe where his father Sam worked as a policeman.
“A boy who grew up in Gokwe standing next to Zimbabwe’s best players at the 2004 Afcon finals was like a dream. I will forever be grateful for getting the chance to represent my country at such a big stage and I want to thank the fans for supporting us.”
Murambadoro started two games at the 2004 Afcon finals, conceding two goals as the Warriors lost 2-1 to Egypt in their opening match, and five when they crushed to a 3-5 loss to Cameroon in their second group game.
Tapuwa Kapini kept goal in the dead rubber against Algeria and goals by the late Adam Ndlovu and Joel Luphahla secured a 2-1 win for the Warriors.
Murambadoro’s career began at Zupco Gokwe before he was spotted by Caps United.
He then went on to play for Bnei Sakhnin of Israel, Benoni, Bidvest Wits, Mpumalanga Aces, Hellenic and AmaZulu in South Africa.
His move from Zupco Gokwe FC to Caps United in 2001 was reportedly a fairy-tale that saw him earn the nickname “Gokwe”.
He is married to Karen and the couple has three children, Donell, Kyle and Kyla. – @FungaiMuderere
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