Nare shines for ZPC Hwange

Brandon Moyo, [email protected]
AS the 2024 Zifa Southern Region Division One season reaches its climax, ZPC Hwange remains unbeaten in 18 games, putting them well on course for a Premiership ticket.

With only six goals conceded, goalkeeper Harmony Nare has been instrumental in their success.
The sixth goal came this past weekend when they were held to a one all draw by Talen Vision.

For 10 years, Nare has saved ZPC Hwange with pride. He has been the mainstay of the team’s defence and as they enjoy a 13 point lead over second placed Casmyn, the towering goalie already has his eyes set on making history.

He has faith that they will – this time around – be able to reach the Promised Land. He said, they will be taking each game as it comes and not look too far ahead of themselves.

“I started playing for ZPC Hwange in 2014 and the journey so far has been incredible. We have had our ups and downs, but I’m proud of the progress we have made as a team. We have worked hard to build a strong squad and it’s paying off.

“With our team leading, our target for the season is to win the league title and it will be a historic feat for us because it has been 38 years since the team was formed. But, we will be taking it one game at a time, but we’re confident in our abilities and believe that we have what it takes to succeed,” Nare told Zimpapers Sports.

Nare’s football journey started at a young age when he joined Mpumalanga youth team before making steady progress that saw him graduate to the Correctional Services run Division Two outfit, Prison Eagles back in 2010. At that time, he was still an infield player, playing at right back and sometimes as a winger before he put on the goalkeeping gloves.

He assumed goalkeeping duties following an injury to their goal minder at that time.
After spending a year at Prison Eagles, Nare moved to Mpumalanga United where he stayed for three years before going on to make his breakthrough to ZPC Hwange in 2014.

“I played at Mpumalanga United from 2011 to 2014 and while I was there, I gained valuable experience and honed my skills,” he said.

In 18 outings this season for the runaway log leaders, Nare – who idolises the great Edwin Van Der Sar and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Denis Onyango has 12 clean sheets and credits his teammates and coaches for helping him become the player that he is today.

“Hard work, dedication, discipline and a strong defence have been the secret. Our team has worked tirelessly to improve our defensive game and it’s paying off. I also have to credit my coaches and teammates for their support,” said Nare.

Just like any other sports person, injuries have been a constant obstacle in Nare’s growth over the years but he believes his passion and dedication for the game has kept him going strong. He added that despite facing numerous injury problems, he has had good support from those closest to him.

“One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my career are injuries. On two separate occasions, I have had a broken arm and wrist and it kept me away from the game I love for some time. Self-doubt has been another challenge. However, I have learnt to overcome them through perseverance, hard work and a strong support system.

“I have also learnt to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of adversity. I want to thank all the coaches whom I worked with and I had a great experience and achieved a lot under their guidance. Each team has played a significant role in my development as a player and I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons learnt along the way,” said Nare.

Nare and ZPC Hwange sit at the top of the Southern Region Division One log standings with 48 points from 18 games. They have won 15 matches while sharing the spoils on three occasions. They also have found the back of the net 35 times while only conceding six goals. —@brandon_malvin