Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RESPECTED talent scout and junior football development guru Lloyd “MaBlanyo” Chigowe believes Hardrock star Tinotenda Muringai could be the long-term answer to Zimbabwe’s left-back position.
The 25-year-old is part of the 32-man provisional Warriors squad announced by coach Ramon Catala on Tuesday last week ahead of next week’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Equatorial Guinea.
Muringai’s inclusion comes on the back of a remarkable season in which he has featured in all of Hardrock’s 32 league matches, playing a key role in the club’s quest to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title in their debut season.
The Kwekwe-based side lead defending champions Scottland by five points and need victories in their remaining two matches against Simba Bhora away and FC Platinum at home to secure a historic first top-flight league crown.
No team from Kwekwe has won the title in the history of Zimbabwean top-flight football.
For Chigowe, the Warriors call-up for Muringai is not just a reward for a fine season, but recognition of a talent he identified several years ago.
“The inclusion of Muringai was long overdue,” Chigowe told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“He could be a lasting solution to Zimbabwe’s left-back position.”
It was Chigowe who handed Muringai his Premiership debut at Dynamos in 2019, when the defender was just
18.
The youngster retained his place in the DeMbare side even after Chigowe was replaced by Tonderai Ndiraya, before moving to Mozambique, where he turned out for Ferroviario de Beira and gained valuable experience in the CAF Champions League.
He later returned home to join Hardrock, where his performances have continued to attract attention.
“His input at Hardrock is unquestionable,” said Chigowe.
A product of Friendly Academy, Muringai is also emerging as one of the contenders for a place on the 2026 Soccer Star of the Year calendar.
His versatility has further strengthened his value, as he can operate as a centre-back, defensive midfielder and left wing.
“When I was at Dynamos back in 2019, I wanted both him and Matthew Murambiwa, who is now at MWOS,” said Chigowe.
“I signed Muringai as a junior, alongside Emmanuel Jalai and Jarrison Selemani, who is another good talent.
“Initially, I thought he would provide cover for former Young Warriors captain Mathias Chodeva, but then Mathias got injured and we were forced to play Muringai.
“He played with composure and aplomb against Highlanders in the Uhuru Challenge Trophy in 2019 and became a regular.”
That opportunity proved to be a turning point in Muringai’s career, setting him on a path that has seen him establish himself among Zimbabwe’s leading left-backs.
Under the guidance of Hardrock coach Kelvin Kaindu, he has continued to develop, with his consistency finally earning him recognition from Catala.
Chigowe believes Muringai’s grounding in junior football played a crucial role in shaping the player he has become.
“He had the frame, which he still has now, as well as the technical ability and the requisite junior football exposure from the crunch Harare Province Junior Football Development League,” he said.
“This made him an ideal candidate even for junior national teams.”
The veteran coach remains surprised that Dynamos eventually lost the defender to Ferroviario de Beira, revealing that he even tried to bring him back when he returned to the DeMbare technical setup in 2024.
“We could not meet his terms vis-a-vis what he was earning in Mozambique,” said Chigowe.
“But I am delighted, not only for him but for the nation, that this deserving footballer is getting his breakthrough. Muringai is a pillar.”
