CAPS United legend and 1996 Soccer Star of the Year, Stewart Murisa, has broken his silence on the swirling controversy surrounding the dismissal of goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, coming out strongly in defence of club president Farai Jere.

The Green Machine has been plunged into intense debate following the dramatic termination of Magalane’s contract. The goalkeeper suffered a highly publicised meltdown during a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match against Triangle FC, breaking down in tears at half-time after committing a costly blunder and subsequently refusing to return to the pitch for the second half.

While sections of the football fraternity including the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) have criticised Jere's swift and ruthless handling of the departure as "unprofessional," Murisa urged the Makepekepe faithful to look at the situation rationally. Speaking on the complex nature of the incident, the club icon revealed he had engaged with Jere directly regarding the underlying facts of the case.

"The issue of Mr Jere's dismissal of Magalane has become a bit complex, and after I have spoken to the CAPS United President and watched the blunders... as much as I sympathise with my young man Wallace, there are a lot of questions to be asked," Murisa said. "As they rightfully say, two wrongs will never make a right. I come in peace."
 

Addressing the burning questions of the CAPS United fans, Murisa shed light on why the technical team had continued to start Magalane despite an ongoing dip in form that saw him concede in eight consecutive games prior.

"My first question was why was Wallace not dropped after making all those costly mistakes? The answer was that CAPS registered two goalkeepers, and the second choice got injured," Murisa explained, pointing to a severe depth crisis that left management with tied hands.

However, it was Magalane’s decision to walk away midway through the match that Murisa found impossible to defend, given the team’s vulnerable state.

"Why did the goalkeeper refuse to go back for the second half after making a blunder, knowing the substitute was injured? Only he knows. What would be your reaction if you were in Jere's shoes?"

Murisa also drew parallels to past heartbreaks in the green-and-white shirt, reminding fans of how quickly things can unravel under suspicious or disappointing circumstances. He recalled his time as an assistant coach to Darlington Dodo during the harrowing climax of a prior season.

"Let me finish by reminding the CAPS United supporters of the season where I was assistant to Dodo. With seven games left to finish the season and we only needed four points to clinch the Championship, we only collected one point. The manner in which we lost the games was very disheartening and suspicious. I'm not saying I'm suspicious or anything, but I was very heartbroken," Murisa reflected.

Despite the bitter historical memories and the current storm, Murisa insists it is time for the club to heal and avoid self-destruction.

"Let's not blow things out of proportion. We as CAPS legends say let bygones be bygones, and we move on."

Offering a final word of encouragement to the axed shot-stopper as CAPS United prepares to transition into the Washington Arubi era, Murisa added: "To the young man Wallace, keep your head up. Such is football."