The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi Sports Correspondent
MUTARE-BORN footy star Phineas Bamusi is delighted to be back at CAPS United and has immediately set his sights on another fruitful outing with the former champions after rejoining them from Triangle on a Bosman transfer.
The talented winger inked a two-year deal to complete his move to the capital following a dazzling campaign with the Lowveld side during which he starred for the Sugar Boys on their glorious march to the Chibuku Super Cup crown and a fourth-place finish in the Castle Lager Premiership.
And as one of last season’s hottest properties, which saw him scoring five goals and providing nine assists, he earned not only recognition among the finest footballers in the land as a Soccer Star of the Year finalist but also the hot pursuit of several top-flight clubs who craved his service. Bamusi confirmed receiving offers from newly-promoted Manica Diamonds and Ngezi Platinum Stars, among others, while Triangle were keen on retaining him. Yet at the expiry of his contract, which ran out on December 31, 2018, the diminutive midfield magician opted to retrace his steps to the Harare giants. He, however, could not be drawn into divulging or commenting on the details of the hefty package CAPS United reportedly tabled to lure him back.
Describing his return to MaKepeKepe as an easy decision after snubbing other suitors, the slippery forward told Post Sport this week that his choice was informed by his past association with the Green Machine and the stature they boast.
Bamusi savoured with the Green Machine one of his stellar seasons since turning professional, flourishing as a vital cog in their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title tilt in 2016 — their first since 2005 — while also championing their momentous drive to the Caf Champions League mini-group stages. Such were his explosive exploits that he was instrumental in the team and enjoyed an imperious campaign.
“CAPS United has always been my team of choice, a childhood club I grew up dreaming of playing for. They are a big football institution and their huge profile can naturally interest any player that I decided to rekindle my relationship with them. I have profound memories of my time with this team and had grown to be part of the family that I am excited to be back here where I call home.
“This looks set to be another rewarding experience with the side since I have worked well with the technical team and some of the players before. It, therefore, leaves me under no pressure at all. My objective is to achieve the desired goals both as a team and as an individual. Personally I have to continue improving, getting to my best level and delivering the goods because that is what I am paid to do,” said the Dangamvura-bred star, adding that his familiarity with the CAPS United surroundings will help him settle quickly and seamlessly slot into the team.
Alongside talisman Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, who is returning from a long injury layoff, and ex-Highlanders striker and vice-captain Gabriel “Granvia” Nyoni, Bamusi is expected to add more attacking impetus and firepower to the Green Machine forward line. The ex-Buffaloes and Mutare United star is bullish ahead the 2019 season and has tipped the former Cup Kings to challenge for everything on offer.
“Winning silverware is a culture that defines CAPS United and I want to fight and be part of that success, history and legacy. If last season was a good one for me then the upcoming campaign challenges me to do even better, which I am relishing all and gearing up for,” buzzed Bamusi, who was MaKepeKepe’s Player of the Season in their 2016 championship-winning season.
