The Sunday Mail
DYNAMOS’ new defensive linkman James “Sira” Marufu has been chatting a lot with Devon Chafa in the build up to the Harare Derby.
Chafa, who is now based in Zambia with Buildcon FC, is Marufu’s childhood friend and former teammate at Eagles and Kiglon.
And the 27-year-old Marufu has been seeking inspiration from Chafa, a veteran of the Harare Derby who featured for both Caps United and Dynamos, ahead of the titanic clash between the capital’s biggest teams at the National Sports this afternoon.
“This will be my first Harare Derby but I will just keep my cool. I have been working hard and I know what’s expected,” said Marufu, who missed DeMbare’s 1-1 draw against Yadah FC last Sunday due to suspension.
“I know these are the kind of games that makes one great. And Devon has been helpful. We grew up together in “national” Mbare and played together in the junior teams. We chat a lot these days and he gives me advice on what is expected at DeMbare.”
Marufu has always been one of Mutasa’s trusted lieutenants.
The gaffer partnered Marufu with Gift Bello at centre back during his reign at Kiglon in 2010 before the trio reunited again at FC Platinum in 2014.
“I have always wanted to work with Marufu because I know he is one guy who brings stability to a team. He is cool, very intelligent when passing and his most important attribute is he can also play anywhere at the back. I wanted him at Dynamos last season but I could not win him for some reasons,” revealed Mutasa.
After falling out of favour with FC Platinum, Marufu joined Ngezi Platinum in 2016 but is now back under the tutelage of his favourite coach.
“Lloyd (Mutasa) is a very good coach, one of the best coaches in this country I should say. He is a fatherly figure whose nice personality is mistaken for a weakness,” Marufu said.
The former Nharira Primary and Cranborne Boys High student is looking foward to the Harare Derby.
“The coach has been emphasizing that we win at all costs hence we worked on our mistakes throughout the week.
“We need to do what the fans have been craving for and that is to win. We have gone for six games without a win and what a better way it would be if we were to start winning against rivals Caps United.
“I know DeMbare fans are disappointed because they are used to seeing their team dominating in the league but we are promising them something special. They should come in numbers because it is during these times that we need them most. We are winless at the moment but this is a passing phase,” said Marufu.
