THE SIAMESE TWINS

Bruce Chikuni

WHEN Ralph Kawondera and Trevor Mavhunga left Dynamos, there were many suggestions surrounding their exit from the Glamour Boys.

Nonetheless, it was a happy ending for the duo, who are now preparing to line up together in Manica Diamond’s midfield, in the coming season.

Kawondera and Mavhunga will be playing for the same team for the third successive season.

Their union started at Triangle, where they spent three seasons together, winning the Chibuku Super Cup, during their tenure.

The pair played a significant role in bringing the country’s flagship knockout competition to Chiredzi in 2018, in what has been the major highlight of their respective careers.

Kawondera shouldered the scoring burden for the Sugar Boys for the better part of his stay at the club where he was also the captain.

In his final season with the club in 2019, he was voted for as the Castle Lager Premiership first runner-up.

And, it was enough to convince FC Platinum to bring him on board, despite leaving the champions without playing a league match, to join Dynamos.

In no time, he was joined by Mavhunga but their spell at DeMbare was rocked by mixed fortunes with Kawondera scoring five goals, half of what the club’s leading scorer had managed.

The inseparable midfielders packed their bags and Manica Diamonds is their new home.

They were both engaged to continue with Dynamos but ths Gem Boys coach, Jairos Tapera, was just a step ahead in convincing the pair.

Kawondera said they did not reunite at Manica Diamonds by coincidence.

“We have a good understanding on and off the field because we have been working together for a long time.

“I believe if we can combine what we learnt from the clubs where we have played together and apply it here, we can win something big with this team.

“After the expiry of our contracts at Dynamos, we both agreed to join Manica Diamonds, it’s something we talked about as friends,” said Kawondera.

He cited that Tapera’s winning mentality has challenged him to reach the stars.

“Coach Tapera is someone with great experience and he creates an environment which is suitable enough for each player to play to the best of their abilities,” he said.

“It then becomes easy for players to improve and I can’t wait to get started.

“I’m aiming to help my team at all costs, to have a better season by winning as many games as possible.”