Sundaymail Editor
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
A LOT of things have changed in Hardlife Zvirekwi’s life since that fateful night of March 12, 2018, when his left arm was crushed in an accident before it was subsequently amputated.
Since then, the 2016 Soccer Star of the Year has been driven by one desire – to inspire people.
Many thought Zvirekwi’s career was over after he was offloaded by CAPS United in February 2020, just a few months after making history by playing in the Premier Soccer League with an amputated arm.
But the 35-year-old right-back found a new home at Northern Region Soccer League side Simba Bhora in September 2021. One year later, he is basking in glory after adding another interesting chapter to his football fairytale.
He bagged his third championship medal last month, when Simba Bhora were crowned champions of the Ruyamuro Northern Region Soccer League.
This means the former Zimbabwe international now has three league titles with three different clubs in two different divisions. He won his first championship medal with now defunct former Premiership side Gunners in 2009 before adding another one with CAPS United in 2016.
It was also in 2016 that he was crowned the best player in the domestic Premiership.
And now he has done it again with Division One side Simba Bhora.
Zvirekwi is currently on the cusp of bagging a league and cup double as his side have a date with Golden Eagles in the highly anticipated Axis Solutions Super8 Cup final set for October 22.
“Winning three league titles with three different clubs from two different divisions is a massive achievement,” Zvirekwi told The Sunday Mail Sport.
“It’s very important in the sense that I managed to get title accolades in the most difficult levels in domestic football.”
The kit-unveiling ceremony for the Axis Solutions Super8 Cup final has been set for Tuesday afternoon.
At the ceremony, organisers of the competition are expected to announce the venue of the final.
“We are privileged to be playing in the Axis Super8 final and we are hoping and praying to increase the number of silverware in our cabinet as Simba Bhora,” he said.
“We scooped the Independence Cup after beating Masvingo United at Mucheke Stadium and we also won the championship a few weeks ago.
“God willing, we are looking forward to winning the Axis Solutions Super8 final.
“We are going there with the same hunger and desire we had in the league …”
A versatile player, who is at home playing in midfield as he is in defence, Zvirekwi has no regrets joining Simba Bhora, particularly at a time when many had written him off.
After CAPS United dumped him in February 2020, he unsuccessfully tried his luck at Harare City, but, fortunately for him, football was indefinitely suspended after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He then surfaced at Simba Bhora in September 2021 just before the start of the 2021/2022 Ruyamuro Northern Region Soccer League.
Simba Bhora coach Arthur Tutani gave him a kiss of life, and, as they say, the rest is history.
“Simba Bhora has been a home to me ever since I left CAPS United.
“I want to thank club president Simba Ndoro, his executive and administration for granting me an opportunity to have a club and a home.
“I am also grateful to the head coach, Tutani, and his technical department for giving me another chance and believing in my ability when I was in the wilderness.”
Zvirekwi was a key member at Simba Bhora, who also relied on a number of veterans, including skipper Brighton Tuwaya, Ali Sadiki, Ronald Chitiyo and the late Barnabus Mushunje.
Former Dynamos and CAPS United keeper Simba Chinani and ex-Harare City striker Tinashe Balakasi are also part of the team. Balakasi clinched the Golden Boot after banging a record 29 goals.
Added Zvirekwi: “Obviously, Simba Bhora was a great move at the end of the day, because no one gave me a chance elsewhere. “Most people were saying it’s over for Hardlife. I had to push myself to greater heights; I set myself roles that I tried to achieve.
“I try to inspire people out there that it’s not over until God says so.”
Online Reporter