The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
MUTARE-BORN CAPS United livewire winger, Phenias Bamusi, is excited with coach, Lloyd Chitembwe’s return to the club and is looking forward to another fruitful spell under the respected gaffer.
Chitembwe, who is an Eastern Highlands native, was early this month confirmed as the new Green Machine trainer on a three-year deal.
The 50-year-old shrewd tactician renewed his romance with the former Cup Kings for a third term following a stint with cross-town rivals, Harare City since 2019.
He is expected to take charge of the first game of his third reign at the Harare giants when league action resumes.
An elated Bamusi has expressed delight at Chitembwe’s return to the club that gave him fame as both a player and coach, describing it as a game changer.
MaKepeKepe squandered control of the 2019 title race in the final two games of the season when they lost to Ngezi Platinum Stars, and eventual champions, FC Platinum who went onto defend their title.
Their coach had ditched them to pull the “great escape” feat off at the Sunshine Boys who were in relegation trouble.
“Coach Chitembwe’s rerun has brought a lot of excitement to the institution because everyone at the club knows the quality he boasts and value he adds to the team. We worked together well in the past and share lots of good memories. It is always a pleasure to work under such a gaffer who holds the club dear to his heart,” said Bamusi.
The former CAPS United skipper led the club to a podium finish as Premiership champions in 2016.
He also superintended their remarkable march to the CAF Champions League group phase for the first time in their history as they got the better of African heavyweights, TP Mazembe along the way.
Bamusi added that he deeply cherishes the role the coach has played in his development as a footballer.
Said the Dangamvura-bred star: “As a mentor, he contributed significantly in improving my career. Although we did not win anything as a club in 2019, he was instrumental in sharpening my game and I was named among that year’s soccer star-of-the-year finalists. He has helped to fine-tune my game and take it to another level.”
That fine run earned the ex-Buffaloes forward a call up to the national team as he starred for the Warriors on their way to securing a place at the 2021 CHAN finals.
Outlining his goals for the campaign, Bamusi declared his desire to help his team achieve their set targets by putting in another outstanding shift throughout the season.
“The culture of the club is to gun for major honours and this term will be no exception. I want to play a huge role in my team being crowned league champions again. We want to win everything on offer because lifting silverware is what defines us.
“Glory for the team always takes precedence, but on a personal note, I want to be among the finest footballers on the domestic scene again. This challenges me to stay focused and continue working harder,” he said.
A lot will be expected from the diminutive attacker this season, with huge responsibilities on his shoulders as one of the club vice-captains.
