Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THEY used to laugh at him. Now, he fuels a team chasing Premier Soccer League (PSL) glory.
Back in the dusty streets of Glen Norah, Tinotenda Mutyambizi earned the nickname “Dhiziri” (Diesel), not for powering through tackles or controlling a midfield, but for something much different: his obsession with cars.
Every morning at Ruvheneko Primary School, while others rushed on foot to beat the bell, young Mutyambizi would wait for the school groundsman’s vehicle, arrive late and take the punishment that came with it.
“I would be late for school almost daily,” he chuckles, “but walking to school with my mates was never an option, so they teased me for that.”
Instead of resisting the nickname, he wore it with a smile.
“I did not even resist the nickname; I always laughed it off without any hard feelings,” he said.
Fast forward to 2025, and “Dhiziri” has taken on a new meaning. It is no longer a childhood jab, but a badge of honour, one that captures the relentless energy and driving force he brings to premiership debutants MWOS.
Now a midfield dynamo, the 26-year-old is powering MWOS to an unbeaten start to their debut Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season, anchoring the Lloyd Mutasa-coached side with grit, composure and a surprising level of maturity.
Mutyambizi has become a key cog in the MWOS engine room, embodying controlled aggression and tactical intelligence.
“MWOS is like a family,” he said. “We play for and with each other, so every time you have to be in your best form so as not to short-change others.
“This is what coach (Lloyd) Mutasa taught us, and I believe it’s the major driving force behind our success; we play with maximum effort every day.”
The former Mushowani, Harare City and GreenFuel midfielder was once known for crunching tackles that often crossed the line.
In 2023, his fiery approach led to his suspension twice, despite playing a crucial role in helping GreenFuel stave off relegation after joining mid-season.
“The suspensions stung, and that became my turning point,” he admits. “Even the coach sat me down and taught me the importance of refining my game.”
Since joining MWOS last season, Mutyambizi has morphed into a midfield general.
His aggression is still there, but it’s now refined, his tackles more precise, his movement more calculated. No longer just a midfield disruptor, he has become a conductor, dictating tempo, recovering possession and launching attacks.
His standout performance against Scottland at Ngoni Stadium in the last PSL game before the international break was a statement of intent.
Up against the seasoned Mthokozisi Msebe, Mutyambizi dominated proceedings, smothering threats and driving his team forward.
He credits the MWOS culture for his transformation.
“MWOS is not an ordinary team,” he said.
“It is a family that prays and plays together. We refine each other daily with love and patience.
“I’ve learnt a lot here from the coach and fellow players; they are responsible for the greater part of my transformation. The change started at GreenFuel, but it was perfected at MWOS.”
Mutasa is in no doubt that Mutyambizi is on the right track to fulfilling his potential.
“This is a player whom, when you look back, you can easily note his improvement; he’s a different player with every game,” said Mutasa.
“Any coach wants such a player in his team, so I feel blessed to have him.
“He is a phenomenal player with an impressive work rate.
“He understands his role and executes it well, and at MWOS, we play as a team.”
From the boy who waited for a school car to the man who drives a PSL debutant’s dream, Dhiziri has found the perfect gear.
And for MWOS, that gear might just lead to making history.
