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Danai Chitakasha in CAMBRIDGE, England
WHY is it that Joe ‘’Kode’’ Mugabe excelled at CAPS United but didn’t feature so prominently for the Warriors?
Technically, he was sound, he had it all – ball control, an eye for a pass, ball protection and, for a midfielder, he had an eye for goal.
Yet, his Warriors call-up was limited to that one ill-fated trip, to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1995, where they lost 0-5, in Kinshasa.
The match had been boycotted by the first-choice players because of the Ebola virus.
But, Kode isn’t the only one, and here are the others:
Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa
Technically, he was faultless, his ball control was exquisite, passing was immaculate and, for a midfielder, he always reached double figures, on the scoring charts. For such a talented midfielder, to miss up on national team call-ups, will forever, be a mystery.
How many caps for Mutasa? I do not remember any.
Chingumbe Masuku
The Wankie legend was at his peak during the Dream Team era. Was the net cast wide enough? Many will feel he was ignored, at a time when he could have added more dynamism, to the team.
Maronga Nyangela
He is another strange case, he was not called “The Bomber” for nothing. He engaged was a terror for the opposition, a man who took no prisoners. But, how many caps did Maronga have? I stand to be corrected but I think they are less than 10, which I regard as an anomaly.
William Chikauro and Lovemore Chikunha
I have put them together because Japhet “Short Cat” M’parutsa regards them as the best centreback pairing he played with in his career. For a man who played with such great defenders, as the legendary Sunday and Misheck Chidzambwa, Ephert Lungu and Ernest Mutano, among others, to endorse those, two clearly show how talented they were. And, yet, zero national team caps which is another mystery.
Tito Paketh
One of the most technically-gifted players of his era, the late great coach Barry Daka was also puzzled. “The fact that Tito was never capped is an injustice,” he once said. Paketh had everything a coach would wish for, in a midfielder, and yet the national team coaches overlooked him.
Tavaka Gumbo
He is another one who had a big engine. With Tavaka, you knew what you would get, a tireles performance in the middle of the park. He was a grafter but he never received that cherished phone call, from the national coaches.
Titus Majola
A workhorse who dominated battles through sheer work, he gave his all but again the call-up, to play for the Warriors, was elusive.
Kennedy Nagoli
He played in Brazil, for goodness sake, so why are his caps so few? Technically gifted, he was a great midfielder. He did get a few call-ups but not enough to match his immense ability.
Silver Chigwenje
He dominated in the air and on the ground. He is another one who always rolled his shorts for battle. “Bhonzo” was also a great leader, he was solid at Under-23 level but the transition, into the Warriors, did not happen.
Collins Kabote
Dribbling, ball control and protection (his bow legs were a big advantage) and scoring goals, he had it all. Any call-ups for the Warriors? I struggle to remember any. It looks like another football injustice.
Summary
I think coaches tended to settle on certain players and were hesitant to bring in new faces. Many talented players, therefore, did not get the caps which their talent merited.
Some of the ommisions are just glaring and cannot be justified.
Online Reporter
dyton mupawaenda