Mablanyo magic show

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

In a season marred by controversy, boycotts, and poor performances, Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe has emerged as the hero of Dynamos Football Club. Against all odds, Chigowe led Dembare to a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Ngezi Platinum Stars in the Chibuku Super Cup final.

This triumph marks Chigowe's first major trophy as Dynamos' head coach, and it couldn't have come at a more critical time. With the club's reputation in tatters, Chigowe's leadership and tactical acumen have salvaged Dembare's season.

"We have fighters and brave boys in this team," Chigowe humbly attributed the victory to his players. "They showed great character, and I'm proud of them."

Chigowe's appointment as interim head coach was met with skepticism, given the team's poor performances and internal conflicts. However, he has proven to be the right man for the job, steadying the ship and guiding Dembare to a major trophy.

This victory is a testament to Chigowe's ability to motivate and inspire his players, even in the face of adversity. With the team's morale at an all-time low, Chigowe's leadership has been instrumental in turning their fortunes around.

As Dembare celebrates this hard-fought victory, Chigowe's legacy as a savior of the club continues to grow. His ability to navigate the team through turbulent times has earned him a special place in the hearts of Dembare fans.

Will this triumph be the catalyst for a new era of success at Dynamos? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe has written his name into Dembare's history books.

Chigowe's coaching journey began in earnest with Dynamos FC in 1989, where he played a crucial role in steering the club away from relegation in 1992. He returned in 2018 to again save Dynamos from the threat of relegation, showcasing his resilience and deep connection to the club. His influence didn’t stop there; he later served as head youth coach at Black AYISAS and assistant coach of the under-17 national team, guiding them to qualification for the AFCON tournament in Botswana in 1997.

Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Chigowe says, “My passion for football development has driven me to work with various teams and age groups throughout my career. Each experience has allowed me to grow as a coach and contribute to the success of Zimbabwean football on both club and national levels.”

Chigowe has shaped the careers of numerous players, including the likes of Tino Kadewere, Marshall Munetsi, Tatenda Mukuruva, and many others, further solidifying his legacy in Zimbabwean football.

From his early days as the captain of his primary school soccer team to becoming the president of the Student Representative Council at Harare Polytechnic, Chigowe's leadership skills shone brightly. With a solid background in journalism and human resources, he has dedicated his career to nurturing young talent, helping many players rise to represent Zimbabwe at the national level. “There is no Warriors squad without a player that I have produced,” he proudly states.