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Eddie Chikamhi–Senior Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos secretary-general, Edward Mutukwa, has said the late Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Edzai Absalom Chakanyuka Chimonyo, had a vision to bring back the glory days at the club.
Chimonyo, who was the patron of all the army teams, including Rhinos and Premiership newboys Cranborne Bullets, died after a long battle with cancer.
He was one of the administrators, during the sunny days when Rhinos ruled the roost, and won two league titles inside three years, between 1984 and 1987.
“We are deeply pained by the death of our club patron,” said Mutukwa.
“He was so passionate about football, and supported us very well emotionally, and materially.
“Because of his love, and passion for football, we had actually opened access to him, and was always there for the team.
“We have managed to sail through the Covid-19 times with his support.”
Mutukwa revealed that the late army commander had challenged them to go for the league title, which they last won, three decades ago.
Rhinos have been rebuilding under coach Herbert Maruwa, who is looking to improve the 10th position they occupied, when the league was last held in 2019.
“It’s unfortunate football has fallen victim to the pandemic but I remember last year, when the league was about to start, he called us, together with Cranborne Bullets, and explained to us his expectations.
“He wanted us to challenge the monopoly of the league title, by FC Platinum, and had promised us big things.
“He said you will see what I will do, for the club, if you manage to finish in the top four, moreso, if we had won the league title.
“So, we were determined to fulfill his vision. Unfortunately, as humans, we cannot determine what happens in life.
“But, we will keep on pushing as a club and, hopefully, we will be able to bring his vision to fruition,” said Mutukwa.
To some, Chimonyo’s death reminded them, of their halcyon days.
Rhinos won their first league title in 1984, just a year after the club, had been formed.
They also bagged the ZIFA Cup to go with it.
Then, in 1987, Chimonyo was the chairman when Rhinos achieved a double, following the league and Chibuku Trophy success.
One of the Rhinos star players of the time, Stanford “Stix” Mtizwa, yesterday told The Herald Chimonyo was an astute leader, who put the team’s interests ahead.
“Rhinos was a very competitive side because we got all the support that we needed from the leadership.
“They were very committed to make Rhinos the best uniformed team not only in the region but on the whole continent.
“So, they compared with the other army teams and made sure we remained on top.
“Rhinos was among the first clubs to be run professionally in Zimbabwe. We were employed as full time footballers.
“We received guidance, and life-skills, some of which are still paying dividends today,” said Mutizwa.
Rhinos assembled a strong outfit, which had the likes of Japhet “Short Cat” Mparutsa, Gift “Shaft” Makoni, Jerry Chidawa, Simon Mugabe, Edward Matsika, William Chikauro, William Chikauro and Leslie Kamuyoyo.
“Our coaches, Murape and Nyazika, were so proud of our squad. Murape even likened our team to the great Brazilian national team,” said Mutizwa.
“We won the league and cup double twice in 1984 and 1987. That was a huge achievement.
“We always think of those glory days and the aim is to make Rhinos a household name again.
“There was a time when Rhinos had a strong junior policy, a policy that helped unearth talented players like Ian Gorowa, and Nesbert Saruchera.
”We want to get back there, that is the idea and that is what we want to implement,” Mutizwa said.
The tenacity of the ZNA teams, has been credited to Chimonyo, and his predecessors, who all demonstrated a special interest, in sport.
“Sport, in the army, is actually part of training and excellence. It comes from the Commander’s training directive, whereby, he sets targets to be met every year in different disciplines,” said ZNA spokesperson, Alphios Makotore, in a previous interview.
“Remember, early in the year (2020), he called the Black Rhinos players, and officials, and had a chat with them on the need to deliver.
“The Commander has a personal interest in sport and, on issues to do with excellence, so, these are results, Cranborne Bullets have (also) been promoted.”
Online Reporter