“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” This is one of the famous inspirational quotes by anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela some years ago.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
Mandela may not have known about Tafadzwa “Dubz” Dube, but the script with which the CAPS United goalkeeper’s career has developed resonates with the liberation icon’s words. Surprisingly, deemed excess baggage by the cash-rich FC Platinum despite two successful seasons, one in which he helped them to second position, the multiple Soccer Star of the Year finalist’s career looked pear-shaped at the start of the current season.
Only two seasons ago, Dube racked almost US$12 000 in two days after winning the US$3 000 for being Soccer Star of the Year runner up, US$6 000 for being the FC Platinum Player of the Month, as well as US$3 000 for being the club’s Most Consistent Player.
However, the 2012 season saw the ambitious FC Platinum finishing the season a disappointing seventh position and the club’s executive was not amused. On the list of casualties that included big name players like Zephaniah Ngodzo, Qadr Amini and Norman Togara was that of Dube, who the executive felt had fallen off their radar.
“It was something that I never expected and I was shocked. I still had one year left on my contract, but being the strong character that I am, I quickly gathered myself,” he said. “When one door closes, another one opens.”
To a seemingly financially troubled CAPS United that was still reeling from being dumped by one of its directors, Farai Jere, Dube packed his bags. “I wanted to face new challenges, and really needed to put myself back on top where I belong. By being offloaded, my pride was lost so I had to restore it and CAPS United proved ideal,” he said.
Indeed, CAPS United have proved to be an ideal home for the former Masvingo, Gunners and Dynamos goalkeeper, and is largely the reason why the “Green Machine” is chasing the Mbada Diamonds Cup, as well as the championship.
- 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
With his performance, a move to a professional league might be in the pipeline for him.
“Playing for a foreign club which is recognised and paying is my main ambition and something is being worked out for me,” he said.
Twice Dube has performed man-of-the-match performances in the Mbada Diamonds Cup first round and quarterfinals to keep the financially troubled side in the tournament.
Dube targets top four finish
Dube hinted that CAPS United were aiming for a top- four finish.
“Our target is a top-four finish in the league and winning the Mbada Diamonds Cup. With the way we are playing, I am sure we will achieve that,” said Dube who won the championship with Gunners in 2009, thereafter being voted Goalkeeper of the Year.
“In the league we are not far from the top, four teams still have a chance to win the league.”
But what is the secret behind the pint-sized goal minder’s rise from the ashes?
“Prayer,” he said. “I pray two times a day, in the morning and in the evening. I am a member of the Roman Catholic Church and we worship at the Cathedral which is situated at corner fourth and Herbert Chitepo. With God, the sky is the limit,” said Dube who was the preferred choice ahead of Washington Arubi during their days at Lancashire Steel almost eight years ago.
Dube, who started his career at Lancashire Steel, is proud of how his five year old son Tafadzwa (Jnr) is taking a liking in the sport.
“He is doing well academically, but I recently bought him soccer boots after he saw me cleaning mine. He insisted that I buy him his,” said Dube, who started off as a striker, but was turned into a goalkeeper by Lancashire Steel junior coach Jerry “Masters” Banda.
He also revealed that his heart bleeds for his former team Lancashire Steel which is no longer on the radar.
“I feel so sad and my heart bleeds for Lancashire Steel. There was a lot of talent coming through from the team,” said Dube who is arguably CAPS United’s most consistent performer this season.
