BIGBOY Mawiwi has reason to smile these days.
REPORT BY ALBERT MARUFU
With the season on its halfway stage his side, Harare City have been punching well above their weight.
They currently sit on position four having garnered 28 points, one adrift of the leading clubs Highlanders and Chicken Inn.
“The City Fathers,” as they are known by their few but often noisy fans have accrued the same number of points with third placed Dynamos, but fall short on goal difference.
Not bad for a club that finished ninth in their debut season last year, missing out on this year’s BancABC Sup8r Trophy which started on Friday.
That they have dropped maximum points only on three occasions this season might be surprising to many, but not to the unassuming Mawiwi.
The coach, used to the underdog tag, has as he has always done, quietly gone about his business and in the process, helped three clubs — Circle United, Gunners and Harare City gain promotion to the top flight league.
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“A lot has been said about us, with some people saying we use juju to win matches. I invited these people to our training ground to see how we do our things. We are a serious club,” he said.
“Contrary to what many people believe, I am a strong member of the United Methodist Church. Pastor Mukahanana and Vabvuwi from our church have been helping me in holding prayers for the team. My wife Lucia has also been supportive.”
Now in his fourth year at the club, which he took over from Arthur Tutani in August 2010, Mawiwi said it is time to gun for honours.
“When I took over from Tutani, I told the executive that my goal was to gain promotion into the top flight league. I achieved that feat in 2011. Since this is our second season in the top flight, our aim is to finish in the top four. Who knows, we can win the championship,” he said.
But for a modesty side, what keeps them ticking?
“The club’s executive has been very supportive and pays the players’ salaries on time. The players are not worried about where their next meal is going to come from. There are no dissenting voices within the camp, and results are guaranteed,” he said.
However, if there is anything that Mawiwi has been known for, it is the ability to instill discipline and be able to turn average players into championship contenders. While other teams were chasing household names, Harare City recruited 13 players from various teams, left back David Kutyauripo and striker Martin Vengesai who had been deemed excess baggage by Dynamos.
Their shopping list also included James Jam, formerly with Motor Action, Osbourne Mukuradare and Tendai Ngulube both from Monomotapa, William Manondo from FC Platinum.
Goalkeeper Muzondiwa Gonese and Phenias Bamusi joined from Caps United and Buffaloes respectively.
“I believe in teamwork and do not believe in big name players. If you look at the composition of our team, there are no big names at all. Unity of purpose and discipline are a priority at the club,” he said.
Mawiwi’s plan seems to be working and Mukuradare’s goals — eight to be precise — coupled with Godfrey Nguwodzawo’s leadership, James jam’s creativity and Bamusi’ trickery, the team is thriving.
