Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE acquisition of Kennedy Mupomba by CAPS United, just days after Castle Lager Premier Soccer League rivals Scottland had unveiled their marquee signing Knowledge Musona, could be testament that the domestic league is regaining some of its lost power of attraction.
Once deserted by the best talents in pursuit of greener pastures, the domestic Premiership has turned the corner as some of the Zimbabwean players as far afield as England are joining those from the region to explore their football careers on the local stage.
Born and bred in England, Mupomba, a graduate from the West Ham Academy, becomes the second player in CAPS United’s books to choose his motherland, following in the footsteps of ex-Celtic midfielder Kundai Benyu.
CAPS United and Scottland, who have also attracted a number of foreign players during the window are leading the revolution.
Makepekepe have lured back home former Zimbabwe international Ishmael Wadi while also signing Congolese forward Chris Mugalu and Zambian defender Chitoshi Chinga.
Scottland have also nailed the signature of Zimbabwe international Terrence Dzvukamanja, with Malawian striker Khuda Myaba and Namibian midfielder Moses Shidolo also joining.
And ex-Warriors’ defender Carlos Max believes the signings spell a good omen for Zimbabwean football.
“If we can afford them, then let’s take advantage of that and bring as many players as possible to play in our league,” Max told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
Max was particularly excited by having two of Zimbabwe’s iconic players Musona and Khama Billiat linking up at Scottland after playing more than a decade abroad.
“The good thing about this is that these players have the power to attract supporters and this definitely is going to add excitement to our game as well as increase competition among the teams.
“To have the likes of Musona and Khama Billiat back is massive on its own. The supporters here never had the privilege to watch them week in and week out because they moved abroad early in their careers.
“Mind you, these are now senior players and have been exposed to some of the professional leagues around.
“The younger players will have the opportunity to learn from their experience, the professionalism, all facets of the game,” said Max.
Scottland are pushing for the title after edging to within a point of log leaders Simba Bhora last week.
CAPS United have indicated they are building beyond the current season after falling away from the title matrix following a poor start to the term that cost Lloyd Chitembwe his job.
Mupomba is their latest signing.
The midfielder arrived in Zimbabwe over the weekend from England and was officially unveiled on Tuesday.
Kennedy Mupomba
Mupomba was unveiled just moments after the club had also announced the arrival of highly-rated ex-Masvingo United striker Adam Tende.
Makepekepe chief executive officer Morton Dodzo was excited by the developments.
But it was not immediately clear if the two players will play when CAPS United face Bikita Minerals at Gibbo tomorrow.
“We are very happy to have sealed the deals. Both players have signed and we are now working on their papers and registration.
“Our wish is that they start playing as soon as possible, of course depending on what the coach wants. So, we are keeping our fingers crossed.
“Everything is in place for Tende but as for Mupomba we have to wait for his international transfer certificate to complete his clearance since he is coming from outside the country.
“But we are hoping that by Friday (today) he should be cleared,” said Dodzo.
Not much is known about the England-born midfielder, who was signed from sixth-tier side Chelmsford City.
Mupomba previously had stints with West Ham Academy, Colchester United, England Under-15 team and was also a member of the Zimbabwe youth team at the recent Under-20 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.
But this is what Chelmsford City Academy Manager Mickey Spillane said of him when he left the club to join Sky Bet League Two side Colchester United three years ago:
“Kennedy is excellent on the ball and his ability to see a pass is excellent.
“Along with his game intelligence for someone so young combined with the appetite to learn I have no doubt he will continue to push on and impress during his future career.
“Kennedy has thoroughly earned his chance at full-time football and serves as an excellent advert for everything we do at Chelmsford City Academy, and it shows the different pathways possible.
“I would like to wish Kennedy all the best in his future and we will be monitoring his progress with much pride.”
CAPS United, who are beefing up their squad with the hope of making a strong impact in the second half of the season, will be looking to get value from the signing.
Mupomba’s signing is reminiscent of the January window business when they brought Benyu from the Diaspora.
Although it took some time for the midfielder to adjust to the culture change, Benyu has proved a decent signing and is now currently being chased by some foreign clubs.
CAPS United are already preparing replacements. Last week they welcomed defensive midfielder Bernard Chipanera on loan from ZIFA Northern Region Division One side Golden Eagles.
Chipanera wowed Makepekepe supporters with a solid shift in the 1-0 win over Highlanders at the week-end.
For his attack CAPS United coach Ian Bakala settled for Tende to complement Lawe and Mugalu.
Tende waved goodbye to his Masvingo United teammates with a brace that sank rivals FC Wangu Mazodze in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One league last week.
He signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Makepekepe.
Tende has also previously played for Notwane and Mochudi Centre Chiefs in Botswana and Namibia’s Eeshoke Chula Chula.
“We are not just signing players for the sake of signing, but our moves are deliberate and strategic. We want to build a squad strong enough to survive relegation as well as compete next season,” added Dodzo.
