Chitembwe’s double trouble

Sport
BY ALBERT MARUFUWHEN the transfer window opens today, former Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera officially makes a return to the local Premier Soccer League having signed a six-month contract with CAPS United.

Kawondera (29), saw little action locally in 2000 when he played for the now defunct Darryn T in a match against Dynamos at Rufaro before embarking on a journey that saw him in Poland and Cyprus.

The move to CAPS United sees him linking up with nephew and best friend Evans Gwekwerere.

Their huge talent aside, the two footballers are also known for their love for night life that has seen them clashing with their respective coaches in their careers.

Like doves that always move in pairs, the duo is always together showcasing their talent on the dance floors of Harare’s night spots as much as they do it on the field of play.

Kawondera once got into trouble with former national team coach Charles Mhlauri who questioned his lifestyle with the player then labelling the coach as “A Mr-Know-It-All”.

His prospective partner Gwekwerere is no stranger to controversy as he often clashes with CAPS United assistant coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

In South Africa where he played for Moroka swallows and Jomo Cosmos, Gwekwerere was known for his dislike of training.

This has left fans wondering who this tag team will cause more trouble for; the CAPS United coaches or the opposition’s defenders.

The team’s co-director Farai Jere reckons that this is their biggest catch.

“Shingi has joined us on a six-month contract and we are looking forward to his services. He will complement the strikers that we have and that includes Gwekwerere,” he said.

Kawondera himself has ruled out problems for the coaches setting himself a target of 20 goals this season.

“I only played one game in Zimbabwe’s Premier Soccer League, but, I am looking forward to taking up the challenge. I hope it will be a good partnership with my nephew Evans (Gwekwerere.) That is why we are always together,” he said.

But will the two “hot heads” not be a burden instead of an investment at the club?

“We are not problematic. People just do not understand us. We are aware of what is expected of us and as I have said before, people should judge me with how I perform on the field and not my lifestyle. I love to have fun and that is no problem at all,” Kawondera said.

Kawondera said the move to play in the local league was necessitated by his desire to be closer to his children. Kawondera has three kids with three different mothers, among them Mary Mubaiwa, who is now the wife of General Constantine Chiwenga.

“I have been away from them for a long time. The move to CAPS United is a brilliant one and I will give all my best. I remember the only game I played was against Dynamos in 2000 and I scored in that game,” he said.

Gwekwerere, who is yet to find the target this season, believes the coming of Kawondera will signify a new era at CAPS.

“The partnership is going to be great. Shingi is a good player. We have played together in the past at a national team level,” he said.