The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
HAVING first shook hands in 2016, the paths of Mutare-born footballer Lincoln Mangayira and CAPS United legend Lloyd Chitembwe have crossed again.
The pair first met four years ago when Chitembwe presented Mangayira with the player of the tournament accolade after the then teenager had outshone his peers during the Gazzaman Tournament which was staged in Honde Valley and sponsored by ex-CAPS United and Warriors hitman, Alois Bunjira.
Since then, the talented utility player has not looked back and his career continue to take an upward trajectory.
Mangayira is now pulling the famous green shirt of MaKepeKepe, having turned out for hometown club, Mutare City Rovers before trekking to the Lowveld to join Triangle.
The gifted footballer is excited about his switch to the Harare giants after inking a two-year permanent deal during the January transfer window.
He described the move as a dream come true.
“It is a huge honour to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country like CAPS United and this was my dream growing up. This opportunity presents me with a perfect platform to take my game to the next level.
“I look forward to doing well during my stay here and will always give my best for the club,” said the Dangamvura-bred star.
He added that he cherishes working under the tutelage of his fellow Manicaland native, Lloyd Chitembwe, a gaffer he said is one of the best tacticians in the domestic game.
“Coach Chitembwe is such an inspiration. His desire to succeed easily rubs off onto players and spurs them to chase the club’s goals.
“I am learning a lot from him about the club culture as he is a legendary figure here who has seen it all as both a player and coach. This leaves me more focused and determined than ever to grow and develop my career further,” said Mangayira.
The former Sheni Primary and Dangamvura High learner has already been warmly embraced by the CAPS United faithful who fondly refer to him as “Wasu” as he traces his roots to Honde Valley in Eastern Zimbabwe.
Mangayira had his first taste of action in the Green Machine colours against Black Rhinos at Sakubva Stadium on Sunday and was watched by his family and friends who cheered on his every touch of the ball.
Although their rearguard was breached in the 1-1 stalemate against Chauya Chipembere, there were promising signs that his centre-back pairing with the seasoned and 2014 soccer star-of-the-year Dennis “D4D” Dauda can form a formidable force around which MaKepeKepe can build their success.
Bunjira, himself a fan-favourite during the peak of his powers at CAPS United, said he was delighted to watch a gem that was unearthed at his tournament continue making impressive strides.
“It is pleasing to see such a development. I am happy for Lincoln Mangayira and we are proud to be associated with part of his development process.
“In fact, it is fulfilling because that has always been the overall objective of the Gazzaman Tournament to identify and nurture budding talent.
“The development of the game at grassroots is always important as this helps to churn out future stars on a consistent basis,” said the 1996 soccer star-of-the-year first runner-up.
