The man that Dynamos should watch out for

When going down memory lane 2013 will always be a year ZPC Kariba will regard as a turning point in the clubs’ fortunes as it was in this year that Kauya katuruturu gained promotion from the northern region division one league into the topflight. A key figure in the team that ensured the clubs promotion was midfield maestro Raphael Manuvire who scored a brace in the power men’s  decisive encounter which saw the Kariba based outfit overcoming Twalumba 3-1 at Chaminuka stadium.

In their debut premiership season ZPC Kariba would bring in the experience of players such as Limited Chikafa and Tawanda Nyamandwe in a bid to stabilise the club. Despite the acquisition of  experienced players, Raphael Manuvire who had been influential in the clubs promotion continued to prove his abilities even in the  at the highest level of domestic football. With an incredible vision, precise passing and a knack of scoring crucial goals Manuvire was central to ZPC Kariba’s incredible form in the 2014 season.

Having been a live wire in ZPC Kariba’s midfield a crude tackle would however threaten to end Manuvire’s career midway through the 2014 season. Without their star midfielder Kauya katuruturu ended the season in second place following last day drama which saw them painfully lose to Caps United and in the process surrendering  the title to Dynamos.

Despite fears Manuvire would never return to full fitness, the ZPC Kariba midfielder underwent rehabilitation and successfully returned to action following a six month layoff. On his return many doubted whether he would be able to reproduce the same form that saw him carve defences open with ease. Despite such doubts Manuvire has this season responded to such fears by showing just why he is rated among the country’s top midfielders. Although ZPC Kariba have struggled for form in 2015, Manuvire has been the Kariba outfit’s stand out player producing match winning performances which earned him a call up to the Warriors squad that did duty at the Cosafa cup staged in South Africa.

For those that had the opportunity of watching ZPC Kariba overcome Caps United in the Chibuku Super Cup last Sunday many would concur Manuvire was the centre of attention mainly due to his range of passing, close ball control and clever darting runs that leave opponents disorganised in defence.

For many pundits singling out Manuvire’s abilities is a huge injustice to other key players in the ZPC Kariba but I am sure not to make mention of the threat the left footed player poses can be an even greater injustice.

Having had recent success in the Chibuku super cup and the Defence forces trophy where they overcame Wha Wha and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces select,  Tonderayi Ndiraya will be eager to register his first league victory since taking over from David Mandigora as the Harare giants head coach. Facing a reorganised ZPC Kariba which boasts of players such as Leonard Fiyado, Thomas Sweswe and Pride Tafirenyika the glamour boys have a huge task at hand when they face a side led by a Dynamos son Sunday Chidzambwa.

If Tonderayi Ndiraya is to ensure they get a favourable result on Sunday, a core factor will surely be the glamour boys ability to keep ZPC Kariba star midfielder Raphael Manuvire in check.