FORMER Sporting Lions, Mwana Africa, Eiffel Flats and Highlanders goalkeeper Lovemore Makwavarara, who recently won his fourth first division title after helping ZPC Kariba FC gain promotion, has vowed to continue playing until the age of 40.
BY ALBERT MARUFU
The 33-year-old, who six years ago survived a suicide attempt after a domestic dispute and off the field misdemeanors, has in the past helped Sporting Lions FC (2001), Mwana Africa FC (2005), Douglas Warriors FC (2009) and only recently ZPC Kariba FC.
Makwavarara, who at one time was arrested for urinating in full view of spectators at Rufaro in a league match featuring his side Sporting Lions and Black Rhinos, said he has put all of his past behind him and is now a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
The agile goalkeeper, who seems to thrive in Division One and not in the top flight league said it does not matter which league one is playing in as long as he remained professional.
“I am 33 years old and now living a clean life. I admit I was a bad boy but all that has changed and I am now a Christian. If players such as German’s Jens Lehman can play beyond the age of 40, then there is nothing to stop me from playing up to that age as well,” said Makwavarara.
Though he saw little action at ZPC Kariba where he mostly worked on developing young Tendai “Fish” Hove, Makwavarara believes he will be up to the challenge.
“Tendai is a brilliant goalkeeper whom I think should be in the national team. However, I also think that I am still good enough to compete with these budding youngsters and play on until the age of 40. In fact, I want to be one of oldest players to turn out for our local premiership. Even national team selectors should not overlook me,” he said.
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ZPC Kariba coach Jostein Mathuthu praised Makwavarara’s work ethics.
“He is a goalkeepers’ trainer as well as a goalkeeper. If there is anything that I like about him, it’s his work ethics. Goalkeepers mature with age and I am sure he still has a lot to offer,” said Mathuthu.
Mathuthu’s sentiments were echoed by former Hackney goalkeeper Cornelius Mukuwa who said the change in Makwavarara’s attitude to life would help him a lot.
“In terms of age, he still has a lot to offer. I played with him when we were youngsters and he is still as talented as he was before. Most players can learn from him as he has played at high levels of the game,” said Mukuwa.
