The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Correspondent
WHILE Joseph “Shabba” Takaringofa was a decorated midfielder who lifted several silverware, he is yet to hit the same heights as a gaffer.
Having won virtually every domestic cup at the peak of his career on the pitch, the Sakubva-bred tactician is itching to reproduce similar magic on the touchline. Alongside Stewart “Shutto” Murisa and Taku Shariwa, Takaringofa is serving as Darlington Dodo’s assistant at CAPS United.
Takaringofa scooped most of his golden honours, including the league championship, the BP Cup and the Independence Cup, during CAPS United’s trailblazing 1996 campaign.
He also helped MaKepeKepe retain the BP Cup title the following year before starring for the Harare giants’ cross-town rivals — Dynamos — in their 1998 Independence Cup triumph. The gangly gaffer had, however, already picked his first winner’s medal at the now defunct Mutare-based Tanganda.
He was part of the spotlight-stealing cast which starred for the rank outsiders — adoringly referred to as Tan-Tan by their fans — as they upstaged the then Cup Kings CAPS United to clinch the prestigious Castle Cup knock-aout competition in 1993. Sadly, Shabba has not had that much impact as a coach. He has mostly served as the second-in-command at Dynamos, Ngezi Platinum Stars and Buffaloes.
Shabba only enjoyed the head coach’s role at Buffaloes as well as at Mutare City Rovers. He was also once in charge of his current side’s development squad. His fruitful outing in a similar capacity was at Gazza Gunners in 2009 after guiding them to a podium finish in the Division Two title race, which earned the Chipinge side promotion into the second-tier league.
The gaffer feels it is time to deliver at the highest level.
“I had always wanted to take up the role of a trainer after hanging my playing boots and I am happy to be living that dream now. Coaching is no mean task, but I am relishing it and cherishing the chance. This enterprise comes with responsibilities that challenges me to get my game right. I am grateful for the times, memories and experiences I have had in a coaching career so far. I have picked up vital lessons in my coaching journey.
“My job here is to help the club achieve its goals while also guiding players to realise and fulfil their full potential. It is every coach’s desire to do well and winning trophies is the ultimate goal. As a player, I was part of the winning squads at Tanganda, CAPS United and Dynamos. I need to achieve similar things as a coach. I am a man on a mission and that is what great names are remembered for in this game,” the former CAPS United player told Post Sport in an interview early this week.
THE CHAMPS . . .Takaringofa (centre) holds the Castle Cup with teammate Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa (left) and Nyasha Nyamajiwa
He added that he is keen to join the illustrious list of the local game’s legends who have won the same trophies as both players and coaches. Lloyd Chitembwe, his teammate in the all-conquering Green Machine of 1996, led the club to the league crown in 2016.
Craving such exploits, Takaringofa is keeping his eyes on the ball. He was well on course to help MaKepeKepe accomplish that feat last term before their remarkable crumble on the final day of the marathon.
Fortunately his charges have dusted themselves up and are ready to launch another title assault.
“CAPS United has the arsenal to do the job, compete at the highest level and win trophies. Despite last year’s disappointment, we can still do well. Our target for the forthcoming campaign is to challenge for all the available top honours while playing technically exquisite and entertaining football. As a club, we are aiming to produce quality products that can represent the country at senior level while also polishing some gems for export purposes.
“Joel Ngodzo and Phenias Bamusi are good examples. The duo was called up for national duty and turned out for the Warriors. The pair also made the Soccer Star of the Year finalists, with the former crowned winner and securing a move to Zambian side, Buildcon, which is still being processed.”
Takaringofa is convinced that he has served with distinction in his roles in the various teams’ technical set-ups. And the familiar surroundings at the Green Machine makes him feel at home.
“I have been at this club as a player and now as a coach. We have built a healthy working relationship among everyone here — from the executive, the technical team and the players.
“We are aware of what is expected of us and will measure up to the task. We have put together a relatively new team, with most of the players who came in still acclimatising to the CAPS United environment and way of doing things. We recruited on merit and talent and therefore we will give a good account of ourselves when we eventually get down to business when the season kicks off. Our collective commitment and zest to succeed shall carry the day for us.
“This club boasts a rich history and has a tradition of winning trophies. That is the only way to go for MaKepeKepe,” said Shabba.
Takaringofa holds a CAF A coaching badge and hopes to leverage on his dressing room experience of 10 years.
