Out Mukamba, in Mukumba

A HARDWORKING box to box midfielder whose name sounds more like the man Dynamos are desperate to replace has arrived amid high expectations at the blue side of Harare.
Marvelous Mukumba, a versatile 22-year old who can play as an attacking or defensive midfielder, is being touted as Denver Mukamba’s potential replacement.

He did not disappoint at Rufaro last Sunday when Dynamos played friendly matches against Mushowani Stars and Buffaloes. Mukumba left his coach Lloyd Mutasa in awe.

“He just knows how to play it simple,” said Mutasa.

“Mukumba is technically sound, a box-to-box midfielder who I am sure will add value to Dynamos. He has already shown what he can bring to the team during the few weeks that we have been working together.”

Mukumba is a workaholic midfielder who has been doing his thing in obscurity for the past four years.

He rose from a teenage Monomotapa player into a linkman whose skill caught the eye of Mutasa last season when he turned out for How Mine.

Mukumba is now in the limelight, playing for the Glamour Boys whose supporters are hard to please. And he appreciates that this is a whole new world.

“There is a big difference between Dynamos and other teams that I played for before because playing for DeMbare is like playing for the national team,” said Mukumba ahead of this afternoon’s ZNA Charities clash with Caps United.

“When I put on the jersey for the first time at Rufaro last weekend, the feeling was amazing. Immediately you start feeling the urge, the zeal to impress.

“Yes being your first time you panic a bit, but the good thing is I quickly settled because everyone around me offered support. I can safely say now I feel at home.”

Having grown up in Mbare the dream to play for DeMbare came naturally and the midfielder felt it all come true when he reported for his maiden training session on January 15, a Monday that Mukumba says will remain etched in his memory for years to come.

“It is every player’s dream to play for a big club and Dynamos are one of the biggest clubs in the land so you will understand the feeling I had that first day,” he said.

“On my way to the gym that day, I was happy and anticipating. But what surprised me most was the welcome I got from the other players. They treated me like it was not my first day at DeMbare. To be honest I was shocked by the warm reception.”

Soccer was always going to be the preferred sport for Mukumba who started playing the game at Chiedza Primary School in Harare’s oldest high density suburb.

He played for Black Rhinos and Gunners junior teams after enrolling with Morgan High for his secondary education.

“I then went for trials with Monomotapa in 2012 after finishing my Ordinary Level and in June 2013 I signed for the first team.

“The team was relegated the same year and I moved to Triangle where I spent three years. I worked with Biggie Zuze at Triangle and its good we are reuniting at DeMbare where he is now the assistant coach,” revealed the Dynamos newboy.

The arrival of Mukumba and Raphael Manuvire is making DeMbare coach Mutasa brag about his midfield arsenal.

“I think we are spoilt for choice in that department, if we really focus we will do well this season,” said Mutasa.

Obey Mwerahari, Gift Saunyama, Blessing Moyo, Panashe Mutasa and Kudzanai Dhemere are some of the players who can play in midfield while striker Quality Kangadze can also drop back into the link.

Move aside Mukamba, here comes Mukumba.