‘Yes we can’

Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
AGELESS ZPC Kariba striker Limited Chikafa put up an unlimited show as the power generators choked defending champions Dynamos with a 2-1 victory to put one hand on the championship.The Premiership debutantes went into the weekend game knowing that only a victory over the reigning champions could swing the title race into their favour – and they did just that getting second half goals from Tsepo Rantlhokoane and Chikafa.

DeMbare’s solitary goal had come from Anesu Gondo.

However, it was Chikafa who proved to be a thorn in the flesh for the Dynamos defence, menacing them the entire afternoon before capping a fine day with the winning goal.

Barely two years ago, Chikafa’s football career seemed to have ended after he was diagnosed with a heart problem but he defied the condition and now he is spurring ZPC Kariba to possible greatness.

“I went to hospital for a long time because of the heart problem but I thank God for His grace as I’m fit as a fiddle and continue to do what I love most – playing football. Very few people with heart problems get second chances and I can say reading about how other footballers like Nwankwo Kanu kept playing after successful heart procedures gave me hope that I can do it as well. Right now I’m enjoying my game at ZPC Kariba,” said Chikafa.

After the heart procedure Chikafa went on to revive his career at Eastern Region Division One Soccer League club Setheo in 2012 before being lured to Triangle United at the beginning of last season by Gishon Ntini.

At the beginning of 2014 season, the speedy forward packed his belongings and headed to ZPC Kariba where he is having a game of his life.  His electric pace coupled by invaluable experience has left Chikafa a favourite for the Soccer Star of the Year award.

Chikafa credits teamwork as key to their fine run that has seen them only losing three matches in their 29 outings which were all away to Chapungu, How Mine and FC Platinum.

“Obviously we’re happy and excited with the possibility of clinching the title in our first Premiership season. It’s been a fantastic season where competition has been stiff. To be honest when we started our campaign the focus was on surviving relegation but we surpassed that and said let’s go for the top eight and surprisingly we saw ourselves within reach of the title and said why don’t we go for it,” he said.

“I’m happy that I’ve been able to contribute to the team that’s in its maiden season and is fighting for the championship. Very few gave us a chance but we believe we can land the title because we’ve done well in terms of playing as a team. The senior players of which I’m one of them, have been instrumental in guiding younger players.”

His best players of the season at ZPC Kariba are injured goalkeeper Tendai “Fish” Hove, rock solid defender Dennis Dauda and Pride Tafirenyika.
The former Railstars, Caps United, Chicken Inn and Triangle United striker who has nine league goals for ZPC Kariba says their victory against Dynamos has taken a load off their shoulders going into their last game against Makepekepe.

“Our last game against Caps United is one of the biggest games in the league programme and it’s going to be a demanding game. However, unlike the Dynamos game which we played with lots of pressure because we knew that only a win will take us a foot closer to the championship, we’ve an option playing Caps United where a draw might be okay and a win will just cap it all. Obviously Caps United will come at us and they won’t take the fight lying down so we’ll prepare for the game just like we’ve done with other matches,” he said.

Chikafa speaks highly of shrewd tactician Saul Chaminuka who has done well for the power generators.

“I can best describe Chaminuka as a father and a good mentor who even advises us about life. He’s humble and calls a spade a spade which makes him one of the best coaches that I’ve ever worked with.”

The 33-year-old Chikafa is confident of winning his third league title having been part of Caps United’s championship winning squad in 2004 and 2005.

“Yes we can win the championship and what’s needed is for us to remain focused for the Caps United game,” he said.