The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
IT’S not easy to lose a twin brother, or any loved one for that matter, and Ralph Kawondera is yet to recover from the death of his “other half”, Raphael Jr. But the Triangle talisman realises that his football career has to go on, at the very least in loving memory of his departed brother, the former Flame Lily player who passed away after a short illness at Chitungwiza’s Citimed Hospital on April 23 this year.
Kawondera has soldiered on under adversity, as he keeps on banging goals for fun, despite playing in a deep role.
Only last week, the Chitungwiza-bred utility player received another call-up into the Warriors CHAN team that plays Lesotho at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon.
The 28-year-old Kawondera grabbed Africa’s attention, when he scored the priceless goal that gave the Sugar Boys a stunning 1-0 away win against Azam of Tanzania in a Caf Confederations Cup first round first leg match last Sunday. Triangle now have one foot into the play-off stage as they await the second leg at Barbourfields next Sunday.
But, for now, the Warriors could cement their chances of qualifying for the 2020 African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals if they establish a healthy home lead against Likuena (Crocodiles) this afternoon.
“I got very disturbed when I lost my twin brother and I am always thinking about him.
“I always remember his words of encouragement. He was always there for me and we would encourage each other to work hard.
“He (the late Raphael) is my motivation, everything that I am doing now I am doing it for him,” Kawondera told The Sunday Mail Sport. Kawondera has seven league goals, four behind Evans Katema of Dynamos.
Both are chasing the 14-goal mark set by former Chicken Inn striker Clive Agosto, who has since left for Maritzburg United of South Africa.
“I put God first in everything I do, including each time I get onto the field.
“It pains me a lot to lose a match. Being the kind of a player who always sees opportunities for goals, I end up scoring more often.
“I also know that if I score regularly, our team will win and the family back home will also be happy,” said Kawondera.
Having toiled without much recognition at clubs like Kambuzuma United, Highfield United, Twalumba, Flame Lily and Herentals, Kawondera has finally established himself at Triangle. The team is making waves in its maiden Caf Confederations campaign.
“I’m happy everyone in the team (Triangle) is putting a hard shift. We are working as a team, we told ourselves this could be an opportunity to market ourselves. “Every player dreams of playing abroad and I am glad we are still soldiering on under the guidance of our coach Mangwiro (Taurai).
“It’s also good that I have been called into the Warriors’ squad for CHAN, it’s another platform to shine. I just pray that we get past Lesotho and qualify for the finals,” said Kawondera.
The CHAN finals will be held in Cameroon between January and February next year.
Ralph is not related in any way to former Warriors striker Shingi Kawondera, but comes from a football family that gave the nation footballers such as former Darryn T stalwart Raphael, lower division coach Ralph senior as well as former Dynamos striker Richard.
Chamunorwa is also earning his keep as a goalkeeper in the lower leagues.
“Coming from a football family has helped me a lot because we share ideas when we are at home,” noted Kawondera.
Triangle, who have blown hot and cold in the league this season, are seventh on the log with 33 points, eight behind the top teams in the league. Some have already ruled the Lowveld side out of the 2019 championship.
However, Kawondera thinks it is too early to talk about the destiny of the title. “Let’s talk about that one when we are about to cross the finishing line. A lot can happen between now and November, so let’s wait and see,” he said. Mangwiro has assembled a decent squad that is set to be difficult at Gibbo.
Veteran keeper Ronald Mudimu, Obey Mwerahari, Praise Tonha, Young Warriors star Anelka Chivandire, Russel Madamombe, steely defender Kudzai Chigwida and the stocky Allan Tavarwisa are some of the key actors at Triangle
