Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Senior Sports Reporter
A NEW chapter is unfolding for former Zimbabwe international and two-time Soccer Star of the Year winner Rodwell Chinyengetere, who is now winding down a stellar football career spanning over a decade.
At 36 years, he is still a vital cog in CAPS United’s midfield engine room and is expected to play a part again in the coming season, guiding the younger players that are coming up through the Green Machine conveyor belt.
But Chinyengetere might call time on his playing career any time soon to pursue coaching.
Having spent the previous season as player-assistant coach under the mentorship of Lloyd Chitembwe, the veteran midfielder has already started preparing for his next chapter in football.
Recently, he enrolled for a CAF C coaching badge in Tanzania to begin his quest for the necessary documentation.
“I have to pursue the coaching badges,” says Chinyengetere.
“I know it’s a long process, but the good thing is I have already started getting mentorship from my coach Lloyd Chitembwe.
“The goal is to grow and be able to stand on my own in the near future. I am sure Chitembwe will be proud and motivated that he has managed to groom a coach in me.
“He has been doing this since last season.
“During the first days, he would shout from the touchline and remind me ‘you are the coach on the pitch; why don’t you say something to the other players to manage situations?’
“I have become used to the dual roles, and I am not looking back.”
Just like many aspiring local coaches, he has had to look for learning opportunities in Tanzania since ZIFA has not been offering coaching courses since 2017.
“The travelling is hectic. After getting to Dar es Salaam, you have to travel about 350 kilometres by road to Tanga, the town that is hosting the course.
“CAF C is a good starting platform for any aspiring coach,” added Chinyengetere.
This course addresses the everyday challenges that we encounter on the football pitch; some of the things that we take for granted.
“With that kind of knowledge, at least you will be equipped when venturing into the coaching field for the first time.”
CAPS United head of administration Morton Dodzo says Chinyengetere’s ambition has the club’s blessings.
“We have a deliberate policy to groom coaches from our own ranks.
“Remember we had Tostao (Fungai Kwashi) in our wings and also Shingi (Mungwini), who is now based in Dubai,” says Dodzo.
Before joining CAPS United, Chinyengetere had an illustrious career, winning the league title three times in succession with FC Platinum between 2017 and 2019.
He was also twice named Soccer Star of the Year in 2017 and 2018, joining legends Peter Ndlovu and George Shaya as the only players to win the gong back-to-back.
“Obviously, that achievement is unforgettable.
“But I think my biggest moments were in Hwange, where I started playing topflight football as a nobody.
“I believe that is where I laid down the foundation for my success.”
Chinyengetere began his career in 2009 at Zimbabwe Saints. However, it was at Hwange where he received his first topflight football experience the following year.
In 2012, he was named captain for the coal miners at only 23 years.
His career suffered a huge setback months later when he picked up a horrific injury in a tussle with Monomotapa goalkeeper Artwell Mukandi.
Many thought he would never play football again after scans showed a double fracture.
But a “miraculous” healing ensued, and he was back in action after about four months.
“Unfortunately, I was injured at my peak.
“I was supposed to travel to Angola with the national team for an AFCON qualifier. We were so close to qualifying, but we then lost the match 2-0. It was a painful period but thank God I managed to come back,” he says.
He then joined FC Platinum in 2015 and went on to win accolades that included a hattrick of league titles, back-to-back Soccer Star of the Year awards and the 2018 Golden Boot for his 17 goals.
The performances earned him more call-ups to the Warriors squad and a brief stint in South Africa where he played for Baroka.
He returned to FC Platinum on loan and helped them in the 2019 Champions League campaign before moving to CAPS United in 2022.
“It’s been a journey of ups and downs. There are always big expectations at CAPS United; it’s a big club, but my biggest disappointment is that during my time here we have not won a single trophy.
“However, it’s something that can be corrected. We have to work hard this year so that we come up with something,” said Chinyengetere.
