Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT might have taken over a decade for Kudzai Chigwida to finally turn out for one of Zimbabwe’s three biggest football clubs, but it looks like the veteran defender was reserving the best for the last.
The 31-year-old Chigwida featured in the Harare Derby for the first time in his career and ended up on the score-sheet as CAPS United edged rivals Dynamos 2-1 in a pulsating encounter at Rufaro last Sunday.
Chigwida converted the last-gasp penalty that sank DeMbare in front of a capacity crowd. It was probably one of the biggest moments in the Premier Soccer League for Chigwida, whose top-flight journey began at Buffaloes in Mutare back in 2015.
“I felt the pressure a little bit, but when I scored that penalty, it came as a huge relief to myself and my teammates.
“The Harare Derby is watched by millions of people, some from outside the country, so it was good that we won the match and our fans are still happy up to now,” Chigwida told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
He added: “It was my first time playing in the Harare Derby, the biggest football fixture in Harare, a game that everyone looks forward to.
“But the good thing is I was prepared mentally and physically.”
The bald-headed Chigwida has formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Nyasha Gurende. The two defensive stalwarts are part of the group of players who left Ngezi Platinum Stars for CAPS United during the off-season.
Others include strikers Obriel Chirinda and Takunda Benhura, Richard Hachiro, and Talent Chamboko.
“We are happy at CAPS United, everything is okay and we are stable,” said Chigwida.
Makepekepe sit on top of the log standings after 11 rounds of action.
They have 25 points, one more than second-placed Hardrock going into the midweek fixtures. The Green Machine host last season’s runners-up, MWOS, at Rufaro this afternoon, hoping to maintain their position at the summit. There are some who are starting to believe CAPS United can win the championship.
They point to a stable environment that has been created by club owner Farai Jere.
Players are getting their salaries and winning bonuses on time.
For beating rivals Dynamos, each player received US$1 000.
“At the start of the season every team has its own goals and targets.
“Yes, of course, we want to achieve one or two things at CAPS United.
“I can’t talk about the championship at this juncture, but we do have big targets as a team,” said Chigwida, winner of the PSL championship medal with Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2023. Chigwida also won the Chibuku Super Cup trophy with Triangle United in 2018 and played in the CAF Confederation Cup the following year.
He also played Champions League football with Ngezi Platinum Stars in 2024.
Consequently, Chigwida’s experience could be key for CAPS United, who are seeking a first league title since 2016.
The quest continues today, when Makepekepe host stubborn MWOS at Rufaro.
Interestingly, CAPS United failed to beat MWOS in the league last season.
The Green Machine lost 1-2 at Ngoni in Norton before registering a draw at Rufaro in the reverse fixture.
MWOS also hail from the same suburb that nurtured Chigwida.
“The game against MWOS is one that we should win, especially coming from a big win against DeMbare, but we will not underestimate them.
“MWOS are a very stubborn team so we need to be on top of our game,” said Chigwida. His Premiership journey started at Buffaloes in 2015 before moves to Triangle United, Ngezi Platinum Stars and CAPS United. He was raised in Norton and honed his football skills at DC Academy.
