dyton mupawaenda
Langton Nyakwenda
FOR a boy who was raised in the crime-prone high density suburb of Mbare, Clive Mandivei’s decision to become a ministry worker back in 2016, was a unique one.
Apart from being an usher at Prophet Walter Magaya’s church, he would also assist in the church’s canteen.
During the same period, Khama Billiat was making waves across Africa.
The Zimbabwean star footballer was named the second best African playing on the continent in January 2016, after helping Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League.
Mandivei was an unknown entity in local football circles.
But, a lot of things changed when Magaya decided to form Yadah Stars, who were subsequently promoted into the Premier Soccer League back in 2018.
The club gave a lot of unheralded players, including Mandivei, an opportunity to try their luck at football.
A lot also changed for Billiat, who shifted from Sundowns to Kaizer Chiefs where he spent a forgettable five seasons, before leaving the Soweto giants in June last year.
Billiat returned home in February and is now playing alongside Mandivei who also captains Yadah.
Yadah are unbeaten in four matches.
“Being a captain is one of the greatest honour an athlete can get, and captaining one of the best players in Africa is more than an honour,” says Mandivei.
“To be frank, I don’t have enough words to describe the feeling. It has been privilege to train with a player of Billiat’s calibre.
“It’s something that happens once in a blue moon.”
He added:
“Sometimes he will not say anything but his actions speak volumes,” revealed Mandivei.
“You can see Billiat is someone who is hungry for success, he is always positive in both his words and actions, no matter the situation.
“He is humble and hardworking, he believes that for him to be the best version of himself or anyone to be the best, it starts with the team as iron sharpens iron.
“He is not after personal glory but he puts the team first.”
Bongani Ndlovu
Mathew Masinge