The Harare Derby fever appears to have caught up with Dynamos captain Murape Murape more than anyone else.
REPORT BY OUR STAFF
Murape on Friday morning, let loose Dynamos bouncers on a NewsDay photojournalist Hillary Maradzika who was covering the team’s training session at the National Sports Stadium.
As the team was about to do their post-training rituals, the Derby-happy Murape, who turns 33 on June 1, chased away the photographer who was going about his normal duties.
The bouncers appeared to heed Murape’s orders and went on to escort the photographer and his driver out of the stadium.
“Hey, what are you doing? Why are you taking those photos?” shouted Murape as his voice echoed around the empty giant stadium.
“Go away before I come there and chuck you out. Mamonya Mamonya [bouncers], please remove this guy here,” he shouted.
The rest of the players and the technical team appeared dumpfounded as the pencil-slim midfielder continued to rant at the photographer.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Even coach Kalisto Pasuwa remained quiet and could not rein in the club’s oldest player, who claims to enjoy strong backing from top political offices and regards himself as an untouchable.
One bouncer who however did not heed Murape’s call said he could not be drawn to act on such a “silly” order.
“When I realised the voice that was shouting, I just relaxed and could not involve myself in such silly things. We know him [Murape]and cannot do everything he says. He is just childish,” said the bouncer.
This is not the first time that he has confronted journalists.
Last year he almost assaulted a reporter for what he perceived as negative reporting, before he was restrained by a member of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), who happened to be present at Raylton Sports Club just after the club’s training session.
The incident happened in front of Pasuwa who watched helplessly as a seething Murape charged towards the reporter.
“He is just hard-headed. Do not mind him,” Pasuwa said of Murape then.
Having played in the same team some years ago, Murape addresses Pasuwa with his first name and treats himself as if he was on the same level as the coach.
Two years ago, he nearly manhandled the then CAPS United coach Maxwell Takaendesa Jongwe after Dynamos and CAPS United clashed over the training venue at the National Sports Stadium.
Early last year, Murape was arrested and convicted of assault and was fined US$50.
Initially, he had been charged of robbing a shopkeeper a US$100 note.
The player has made little impact on the field of play in Dynamos’ league campaign this season but somehow always escapes the wrath of the hard-to-please fans.
