The Nickname He Hated Became His Brand: The Jou...

The Nickname He Hated Became His Brand: The Journey of Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Lloyd Chigowe is a name synonymous with football development in Zimbabwe, and his journey is as inspiring as it is remarkable. Born in Zambia in 1964 and raised in Mbare, Zimbabwe, Chigowe, better known by the nickname "Mablanyo"—a moniker he once despised—has transformed his once-unwanted label into a badge of honor.

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.

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.

In recent comments about Dynamos FC's performance against ZESCO United in Zambia, Chigowe expressed pride in the team's growth and potential, saying, “It's heartening to see the progress the club has made and the potential it continues to show.” With his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport, Lloyd "Mablanyo" Chigowe remains a pivotal figure in Zimbabwean football, continuing to inspire the next generation of players.