Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FIFTEEN years ago, Denver Mukamba was just a gifted boy from Highfield turning heads at Kiglon. By 2011 he was thrust into the spotlight at Dynamos by coach Lloyd Mutasa, a move that changed everything. A year later Mukamba stood on top of the league as the best player in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
Mukamba is only one name on a long list of players shaped by Mutasa. Devon Chafa, Gift Bello, Thomas Magorimbo and Tawanda Muparati all rose under his hand. Together they formed the backbone of the Dynamos side that dominated local football and won four straight league titles from 2011 to 2014.
Mutasa never stopped spotting talent. Now at MWOS, he again left his mark. Two of his players, Billy Veremu and Abubakar Moffat, earned places on the 2025 Soccer Stars calendar. Tawanda ‘Dhiziri’ Mutyambizi, Nigel Matinha, Valentine Katsande, Malvern Mudzuka and Jeremiah Makangira also stepped up under his guidance.
But Moffat’s rise stands out.
The Aces Youth Soccer Academy graduate returned home this year after a tough spell in Spain’s lower leagues. He needed only 16 matches to convince panelists he belonged among the country’s top performers. The 27-year-old midfielder joined MWOS during the midseason window and instantly became a key figure for The Punters as they finished second.
He is a strong linkman with a sharp passing range, and the latest product polished by Mutasa. The two also share a history. Moffat played academy football with Mutasa’s son Panashe before leaving Zimbabwe for Spain.
“A lot of players have passed through our hands. It’s about giving these players a platform to shine. As coaches we have to go out there and search for talent,” Mutasa said.
“I have to applaud my mentor Sunday ‘Mhofu’ Chidzambwa. He always told us that a player could play in any team if he had the basics and we have been telling these youngsters that nothing can stop them from rising.”
To Moffat, Mutasa is more than a coach.
“I see a father who likes his son to have a better future. So I have to thank coach Mutasa from the bottom of my heart, especially for believing in me,” he said.
Moffat grew up in Mufakose. Aces Academy spotted him while he was representing Makundano Primary School at an inter-district tournament held at Churchill. The academy then helped him enroll at Lord Malvern High, where he completed his studies before heading to Spain.
His time abroad was difficult. He featured for lower league clubs CD Estepona, El Palo and Motril, but the breakthrough never came. He returned home early this year, attracting interest from Scottland before Mutasa convinced him to join MWOS.
“From day one, MWOS has been a good home for me. I want to thank coach Mutasa for encouraging me. I don’t think I would have made it onto the calendar without his guidance. I think he is the only coach who believed in me when I came back to Zimbabwe,” Moffat revealed.
Sixteen matches were all he needed.
“I didn’t expect to be on the calendar, that never crossed my mind because I only played in the second half of the season and I was shocked when I saw my name on the list. I was just playing to introduce myself because I had never played in the local Premiership. I want to thank those who voted for me. Credit also goes to MWOS, from the president of the club, the technical staff, my teammates and fans,” said Moffat.
Mathew Masinge