The Sunday Mail
Makomborero Mutimukulu – Acting Sports Editor
A DECISION to stop goofing around has seen David Kutyauripo get grooving as he pens the final chapters of a journeyman career that has seen him playing for eight different clubs.
The Harare City skipper has seen action with Air Zimbabwe, Circle United, Njube Sundowns, Shooting Stars, Caps United, Dynamos and Cypriot outfit Kinyras Pegia.
For years, Kutyauripo was regarded as one of the hotheads of local football, always running into problems with authorities.
He did not help matters either when he married a controversial Caps United supporter; a marriage he admitted was a Mickey Mouse affair. And it surprised few when that union ended in a storm of infidelity allegations.
Now 35, Kutyauripo looks like he has finally matured, and his game and the Harare City skipper’s armband bear testimony to that.
The defender’s talent and commitment to the cause of the jersey he will be wearing has never been in doubt.
Former Harare City coach Bigboy Mawiwi had his work cut out for him in convincing the team’s executive to sign Kutyauripo at the beginning of the 2013 season.
Kutyauripo was homeless after leaving Dynamos in acrimonious circumstances, but in him, Mawiwi saw a man who could add value to his team.
“I know people say a lot about Diva, but he is my boy, I have known him since his days at Circle United and believe he can do the job for me,” Mawiwi said of him at the time.
And privately, after Kutyauripo penned a one-year contract, the gaffer told him he would not tolerate any mischief.
Mawiwi’s advice — and no doubt some “grooming” from the defender’s wife, Tsitsi — could be credited for Kutyauripo’s transformation.
“My wife brought calmness into my life, I thank her for that and will always love her,” said Kutyauripo.
At 35, one would expect him to be a tad slower, falling on fitness and probably best doing his business in the lower divisions.
However, the centre-half is kicking on and reckons he still has much to offer in the Premier Leage.
Kutyauripo always makes it a point to go to the gym after training sessions, and it was during one of his workouts that he spoke of his wife, life and drive.
“Age is nothing, I am still strong and as long as I look after myself well I can play till the age of 40.
“Ryan Giggs played well into his 30s, Roger Milla went to the World Cup at 40, so there is nothing that can stop me from doing business for three or four more years,” said the defender.
Current City coach Masimba Dinyero has been bowled over by Kutyauripo’s worth ethic.
“All the players are doing very well, but Diva is one of the few I can single out for special mention. He is a good example to the rest of the team and puts so much effort even at training that everybody else then follows suit.
“He is a good motivator and having played at the highest level for a long period, he always has a word or two to lift the team when the tide is against us. The boy is an example that one can continue playing competitively well into their thirties and we are lucky to have him with us,” he said.
Kutyauripo believes he has done enough to earn a first ever placement on the Soccer Stars of the Year calendar.
“I don’t need to be told that I have had a good season and it can get better too because the coming in of coach Dutch (Dinyero) has lifted spirits at the club. Hopefully this year your friends (football writers) will recognise my efforts,” he said.
