Don Makanyanga
IN every revolution, there are always some unsung heroes, those men and women who never get the credit they deserve.
For Zimbabwe’s football, one such hero is Ngezi Platinum Stars coach Rodwell Dhlakama (pictured right). Dhlakama’s modesty belies the years of hard work he has put in identifying and nurturing many talented players since his days as a schoolteacher.
Some of his products have grown to become stars.
As the Warriors regroup ahead of a fresh Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, a number of players told The Sunday Mail Sport how Dhlakama has impacted on their lives.
Some of the notable names thaat have passed through the hands of the unassuming coach include skipper Knowledge Musona, Khama Billiat, Tino Kadewere, Erick Chipeta, Ovidy Karuru, Mathew Rusike, Onismo Bhasera, Washington Arubi, Kingston Nkata and the Mubaiwa twins — Peter and Patrick.
The long list also includes Evans Rusike, Abbas Amidu, Qadr Amini, George Chigova, Rodrick Mutuma, Brighton Mugoni, Chank Marion and Asani Nhongo.
He even “adopted” some of the players and paid their school fees.
As a result, some of his protégés refer to him as “father”. The new first choice goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, together with former Dynamos striker Rodrick Mutuma, who is currently plying his trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo under FC Lupopo, are some of beneficiaries of Dhlakama’s bursary.
Mutuma said: “Dhlakama is my dad, he started staying with me when I was doing Form Three. I was still in Mvuma, that is when he started paying my school fees. He bought me my first pair of football boots.
“After that, he took me to Dynamos and was involved with my move to South Africa. He was also involved with my move to DRC.
“As kids we are bound to be naughty, but I will always look up to him for advice,” said Mutuma. Dhlakama also took Chipezeze into his custody when he was still playing for Timmy Football Academy and attending Mkoba 7 Secondary School in Gweru.
“I started staying with coach Dhlakama when I was around 17. He paid my school fees and instilled a lot of confidence in me. To be honest, he made me the player I am today,” said the Baroka goalkeeper.
Chipezeze’s predecessor, Chigova, was plucked during an Under-17 tournament in Bulawayo. Chigova and Dhlakama found themselves having to sleep at Mbare Musika bus terminus after arriving from the tournament late at night.
“He believes in me. He saw me playing for How Mine FC juniors in an Under-17 tournament and invited me to come with him to the national Under-17 team. We spent the better part of the night at Mbare Musika, before meeting Julius Chifokoyo, then chairman of the now defunct Caps FC. I would go and stay at his house in Shurugwi. He is not just a coach, he is a father to me. I remember him telling my parents not to worry as he was going to take care of me, he did honour his promise.
“He is the one who recommended me to Aces Youth Academy, where I was signed,” said Chigova. Not only has Dhlakama managed to deal with Mutuma, one of Zimbabwe football’s bad-boys. Somehow he has also found a way to breathe life into the 2013 national team captain Denver Mukamba’s career again.
“To be honest, Dhlakama has done a lot for me, both on and off the field. He has stood by me since he called me up for the Under-17 national team camp. Had it not been for him, I do not think I would be playing in the Premier League. He counselled and told me that I should be back to where I belong.
“Early this year when I was struggling to get a team, he gave me another chance to revive my career at Chapungu. I listened to him and I think another dance with the Warriors can be a reality,” said Mukamba.
Despite all these feats, Dhlakama remains grounded. “You have to do your job, not for public approval, but as part of your social responsibility and self-fulfilling prophecy,’’ Dhlakama said.
Among other achievements, Dhlakama holds the record of being the only local football coach who has won the Annual National Sports Awards Coach of the Year gong.
“In terms of achievement statistics, I won seven gold medals with the Under-20 and Under-17 Zimbabwe national teams. I also won two Zimbabwe Youth Games with Midlands Province.
“I have coached all the junior national teams, from the Under 15 to Under 23,” said Dhlakama.