Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IN their 10-year stay in the Premier Soccer League, ZPC Kariba have provided a platform for hundreds of footballers from across the length and breadth of the country.
“Kauya Katuruturu” almost made a historic top-flight debut, coming close to winning the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship in 2014 under the guidance of Saul Chaminuka. They lost the title race to eventual champions Dynamos on the last day of the 2014 season.
But they still managed to provide the Soccer Star of the Year Dennis Dauda — an intelligent centre-back who was bred in Kwekwe, but rose to national prominence in Kariba.
Several other players from different parts of the country — including Tendai Hove, Limited Chikafa, Tawanda “Rambo” Munyanduri, Ian Nekati, Wisdom Mutasa, Never Tigere and Collen Muleya — have all enjoyed their football in the resort town. Ghanaian defender Sylvester Appiah, Brian Juru, Simba Gorogodyo, Dexter Phiri, Munyaradzi Kunyarimwe, Daniel Chakupe, Talent Chamboko, Takabva Mawaya, James Marufu and Bonface Zuberi also played for “Kauya Katuruturu”.
The Mashonaland West-based side has also been home to some exciting talents like Nigel Makumbe, Blessing “Gode” Nyamuzihwa, Samuel Makawa and Tinotenda “Kedha” Chiunye.
Rock-steady centre-back Boid Mutukure, Tellmore Pio and Nyasha Gurende are some of the players
who featured for ZPC Kariba in the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.
Dynamos product Leeroy Murape also starred for “Kauya Katuruturu”, who finished the season in 13th position and five points clear of relegation.
Leeroy turned 30 in August and has been a consistent performer in the top-flight league since 2012, when he made his debut at Dynamos.
But, just like Walter Musona, who for some time lived in the shadows of his brother Knowledge, Leeroy has been overshadowed by his elder brother Murape Murape.
Murape Murape is a Dynamos legend, who won six league titles with the Mbare-based side between 1997 and 2014.
He was voted the best player in the top-flight league in 2007.
“Being Murape Murape’s younger brother has brought with it a good type of pressure because you are always compared to him, but at the same time, you are also trying to make your name.
“I have been focusing on my own game,” Leeroy, a livewire winger, told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
But it is easier said than done, to separate Leeroy from his brother Murape Murape.
Just like Murape Murape, Leeroy benefitted from Dynamos’ once vibrant junior policy. Like his elder brother, he earned a scholarship at Churchill School, courtesy of football.
“If it wasn’t for that Dynamos scholarship, maybetanga tisingambokwanisi kuzobhadhara fees and transport every day, including weekends for sports,” reckons Leeroy.
At 30, Leeroy is now an established player in the top-flight league, while his elder brother has ventured into coaching.
They both won league titles with DeMbare at the same time in 2012 and 2013.
“Murape Murape has been there for me, and has played a complementary role in my career.
“He has seen a lot in life and football,” says Leeroy. He has been at ZPC Kariba for the last two years and his contract expires on December 31. Perhaps it is time for him to engage in another gear and embrace tougher challenges.
“It has been quite okay in Kariba, except for last year, when we were really in a relegation fight,” he says.
“The good thing is that this year we were never in the red zone the whole season, which I think is an improvement from last season. I think the ZPC Kariba project looks promising; the future looks bright. I am sure they will try and build on from this year.” Negotiations for a contract extension with ZPC Kariba have begun, but there are a number of clubs interested in Leeroy’s services. A source at Dynamos claims the Harare giants have been angling for a reunion with the diminutive winger since July.
Asked about DeMbare’s interest, Leeroy said: “I am not aware of that, but what I can tell you is that in football, you can never know.
“You just hope you can make the best possible decision for yourself and your family. I am happy in Kariba.”
Leeroy feels he is far from reaching his full potential.
“In football, you just try to work as hard as possible and improve every day. I think I have done my best and I have performed well over the years,” said the former Yadah and Black Rhinos player.
Leeroy was raised in Chitungwiza’s Zengeza suburb, where he played for a junior team called Young Stars.
He then joined Dynamos juniors in 2007, before earning a scholarship to learn at Churchill School.
“I remember we had a fierce rivalry with Lord Malvern School, who had star players like Walter Musona, Nigel Makumbe and Donovan Bernard. I also played with Tellmore Pio, Blessing ‘Bisto’ Moyo and Abel Gwatidzo at Dynamos juniors,” recalls Leeroy.
In 2012, he graduated to the Dynamos senior team and won his first league championship.
Leeroy added another championship medal the following season, before he was loaned out to the then-Northern Region Division One side DSTV Rangers from 2014 to 2015.
He moved to Yadah Stars in 2016 and spent three seasons at Walter Magaya’s side.
In 2019, Leeroy joined army side Black Rhinos before packing his bags for Chisumbanje, where he helped Green Fuel gain promotion in 2022.
