The Sunday Mail
Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter
FOR the ordinary football fan, one of the most poignant memories of Zimbabwe’s maiden dance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2004 was how a certain French commentator totally butchered Energy Murambadoro’s name.
That, and the Warriors’ memorable 2-1 victory over Algeria of course.
Somehow, the commentator had his tongue tied and could only pronounce the goalminder’s name as “Murambadois”, which would have been distressing if it was not funny.
Now, 18 years later, Murambadoro is back at the same tournament, albeit with a different team and different purpose altogether. The Warriors’ goalkeeper’s coach last week described being back at the tournament as a surreal experience akin to a déjà vu experience.
“Returning to the AFCON after 18 years is quite an honour; it is a déjà vu moment for me,” said Murambadoro to The Sunday Mail Society.
“I am having the same feeling I experienced the first time I came here and the goosebumps are certainly there.
“It is a big thing for me to be part of Africa’s biggest football showcase,” he said.
The 39-year-old is well aware that the stage is different and the job he has been tasked with is just as important as the one that brought him to Tunisia 18 years ago.
“My coming to the AFCON has brought back memories of my first time at the tournament in 2004, though it is a little bit different now.
“I am now a coach and I am seeing things with a different eye, from a different level and I also approach things differently now. It is an honour to be part of the Warriors technical team, and I give all the credit to Norman Mapeza for giving me this opportunity,” said Gokwe, as he is affectionately known in football circles.
Coincidentally, all three goalkeepers under his tutelage — Petros Mhari, Martin Mapisa and Talbert Shumba — will be making their debuts at the tournament.
They are, however, fortunate to be under the guidance of someone who has been part of the tournament before.
“It is their first time to be at this tournament, and as someone who was in the same shoes in 2004, I have been working on their mental conditioning because I know how it feels to debut at such a big tournament.
“I have been telling them that football is just the same no matter what stage, though I acknowledge that the stage is different. I have been telling them that they should not be intimidated by names they will see on team sheets during the tournament.
“They should just be themselves,” he said.
With the national team still to identify a first-choice goalkeeper, Murambadoro believes that the trio that has been selected to represent the country in this year’s edition are all up to the task.
“I have been seeing some positive signs from these goalkeepers and I am confident that whoever is chosen to guard the post against Senegal will be up to the task.
“They are all professionals and I have told them to calm their nerves. Calmness breeds confidence, which in turn allows you to play to your strengths. It’s all about having the right mindset, and we have been working on that with them.”
He also believes the goalkeepers have to be at the best.
