Makonese forever young

13 Aug, 2017 - 00:08 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

Don Makanyanga
SHABANIE MINE’S re-signing of a 40-year-old Zvenyika Makonese in the mid-season transfer window sent many tongues wagging.

Makonese is the oldest player in the local league; seven years older than his coach Takesure Chiragwi.

The former Warriors defender, who has gone the full distance in Shabanie Mine’s last two matches, insists he has two more years of topflight football left in him.

“I thank God for allowing me to continue to play despite my age and I feel I have the energy that can allow me to play for two more years,” said the defender who had a stint with South African powerhouses Orlando Pirates.

Makonese revealed that he decided to come out of retirement after fans begged him to “rescue Shabanie Mine from relegation”.

But the defender wants to do much more than save his boyhood club from the dreaded chop – he wants to play his way back into the national team.

“I still have the energy and the feeling that I can play at national team level,” he said. “Age is just a number, I am training just as hard as the youngsters and my experience can always come in handy.

“However, I know that my time will up shortly so the plan is to start getting my coaching qualifications. Shabanie Mine is my life and I would want to continue to serve them even if I retire. It hurts me to see the club struggling.”

After being selected one the best players at the end of the 2016 Central Division One League at the age of 39, Makonese sought a foreign move and impressed during trials at Swazi outfit Manzini Wanderers.

However, the move failed amid accusations that he tried to alter his age in a bid to get a new contract.

Makonese refutes those allegations.

“I was honest with them but they wanted someone younger than me. I am back to Shabanie now and life goes on,” he said.

Shabanie Mine gaffer Chiragwi equates Makonese to former AC Milan and Italy legendary defender Paolo Maldini, who finally called quits at 41.

“If a player is performing well then we have to include him and I am happy with his performance. Age is a number, what we are concerned with is the value and experience he brings to the team,” he said.

Commenting on the age difference with his charge, Chiragwi said: “Makonese is a professional player and I am a professional coach. We understand our roles in the team thus why we have this good relationship. He is a humble guy.”

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