Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, [email protected]
VETERAN Allen Gahadzikwa’s sublime football skills, which he showcased despite his new Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Kwekwe United suffering a 4-0 defeat to Highlanders last weekend, saw him dribble into the heart of Bosso head coach, Kelvin Kaindu.
Kaindu openly expressed his admiration for Gahadzikwa’s style of play in midfield, saying it was pleasing to see the PSL newcomers have depth and talented players.
“I watched Kwekwe United play against Ngezi Platinum Stars, and I think Ngezi Platinum Stars were lucky to come away with a point. We beat Kwekwe United 4-0, but I think they have depth in their team. Look at their captain (Allen Gahadzikwa). I think he still has football in his legs. Look at the potential, look at those passes he was making — that was total football,” said Kaindu.
Having played for CAPS United, FC Platinum, Black Rhinos and Highlanders, Gahadzikwa, now 38, is proving he is still in the game, turning out for Kwekwe United, which he skippered for most of their match against Bosso.
This was after Kwekwe United’s goalkeeper, Elton Nechirwe, who was the captain on the day, was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area to deny Reason Sibanda a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Besides winning the league title in 2010 in the colours of the now-defunct Motor Action, Gahadzikwa also claimed several accolades with the club, including the BancABC Cup in 2011, when he earned a place on the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar.
Out of all 11 players who made the calendar in 2010, Gahadzikwa is the only one still playing in the local Premiership.
He believes Kwekwe United, who have recruited young players, can benefit greatly from his experience. Other seasoned players at the club include Masimba Mambare and Timothy January.
His secret to playing at the highest level for so long is discipline.
“If you love your game, you obviously have to follow its dictates. I adhere to a strict healthy diet with the help of nutritionists.
“I don’t drink or smoke. I don’t go clubbing, as I am always with my family when I am not at work. I exercise a lot to keep up with the young crop playing in the top flight right now. I respect my body immensely. It is this body that works for me, and I have so much respect for it.
“Discipline is everything in sport. And of course, I spend a lot of time playing chess, and the skills from this game — such as patience, calculation and evaluation—all help me a lot in football.”— @FungaiMuderere
