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Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WATCHING Harmony Nare’s imposing presence in the CAPS United goal might have reminded the Makepekepe followers of the days of Energy Murambadoro.
Straight from ZUPCO Gokwe, back in 2001, Murambadoro left fans feasting off his palm with barely two appearances at Makepekepe.
Nare, who joined from 2024 Zifa Southern Region Division One champions ZPC Hwange, looks like he is following Murambadoro’s footsteps.
The 31-year-old’s eye-catching show in the 2-0 defeat to newboys, Scottland on Sunday afternoon when CAPS gave glimpses of what they could be at their peak, might have disheartened many attackers, who were watching the blockbuster at Rufaro.
While the unit might click into gear and hit top form later on in the season, Nare already looks like a man in perfect harmony with the demands at any big club.
For a man who is just two matches into top-flight, coming from Hwange, he oozes so much confidence and potential.
Although his side lost to Scottland, Nare gave the fans something to always look forward to in the season, and they showered him with US$ notes after the final whistle.
“This is an afternoon worth remembering; I am just surprised,” he chuckled.
His performance, in his first game at the ceremonial home of football, took him back to the time he got the CAPS United offer.
“Surprise” appears to be Nare’s favourite word.
“The CAPS offer came after we won the Champions of Champions Tournament at Gweru; it was a huge surprise,” added the towering goalie.
“Without thinking twice, I took the opportunity to join one of the country’s biggest clubs because I felt it was probably time to find a new home.”
Despite having hastily taken the offer out of excitement, Nare later had mixed emotions.
Part of him was thrilled at the prospect of taking his career to the next level, yet the other was sad to leave the place he had called home since he was 10.
It is at this age that Nare and his family relocated from Gwanda to Hwange.
Here, he would play street football with his age mates as he created friendships in the resort town.
In no time, he joined the school team, where he rose to become a vital cog.
“It was a football-loving community, so growing up there, it was only natural that I would be drawn to the sport,” he said.
“My parents were incredibly supportive from the onset; they encouraged me, and I am happy it led me here.”
In the nine seasons that Nare has been with ZPC Hwange, 2024 was his best.
For his stellar performances, he was crowned the Southern Region Soccer Star of the Year and the Goalkeeper of the Year.
In his 30 appearances, he kept 21 clean sheets and conceded only nine times in their 25 wins.
He faced two penalties and saved one, helping his side clinch the Premiership ticket from the region.
He still recalls his team’s excitement when they were crowned champions.
However, their joy was cut short, learning that they could not play in the top flight because their sister club, ZPC Kariba, also competes in the same division.
This is in line with club Licensing statutes, which do not allow clubs with the same ownership to compete in the same division.
Resultantly, they sold their franchise to MWOS, who had completed the season as runners-up in the Northern Region, behind Scottland.
“It was devastating news; we worked hard as a team for promotion, and to be told that we couldn’t play in the PSL was heartbreaking,” recalls Nare.
“It felt like all our efforts had gone to waste, but we had to stay positive and focus on the future.
“So the Caps offer also made me feel bad about leaving my mates behind and the community that had supported me for so long.”
Coming into Lloyd Chitembwe’s camp to fill in the void left by Tonderai Mateyaunga and Ashley Rayners, Nare notes the giant task that he is faced with.
Mateyaunga moved to join champions Simba Bhora, while Rayners is now with GreenFuel.
“Putting on the green sleeve means accountability; this is a big club that has a legion of fans who expect results, so I have to be in top form always,” he added.
“I have faith in my team; today (Sunday) was not our day, so we go back to correct our mistakes and come back stronger.
“We are looking forward to an amazing season, and we will not let today’s result pull us down.
“It was a dream to play at Rufaro one day; I am here now, so I have to give it my all.”
Online Reporter