STYLISH MABVURA TURNS CORNER

26 January 2018

TICHAONA Mabvura has finally turned the corner after a brilliant season with Ngezi Platinum.

The result was that he was part of the Soccer Stars finalists while he also won two important individual awards at his club by end of season.

It may just be the beginning for the left footed midfielder whose style on the pitch now matches his taste for good clothing off the pitch.

And not even his worst experiences at Dynamos have affected him as he insists that he has washed his face.

“The worst moment in my career was when I was at Dynamos. I played one game after half time the whole season and it was disheartening, but in the past.

“Now whenever my team loses it’s always bad news for me that I find it too hard to handle,” Mabvura says.

As he explains his journey, he shows clarity of mind and composure, characteristics that must have transformed him from the player who was unsettled by the DeMbare fans to a star at Ngezi.

“I scored eight goals and assisted 15 others in the 2016-2017 PSL season.

“Last season was also the worst because I lost my father when I was at my peak and I missed one important match mourning my late father.

“I give my late father credit for all the support he gave me,” says the Ngezi star.

In the absence of his later father, Mabvura has two strong women besides him.

“My mother now always rallies behind me and she is a caring woman who does everything for me. She is also my biggest fan.

“I have a wife, Tatenda Masaka, and we have a daughter together, Anashe who is one year four months year old,” he says.

The midfielder admits the days of being a boy are over as he experiences what being a man is all about.

“I am enjoying fatherhood and the feeling is overwhelming and amusing at the same time.

“I love my family so much and I will do anything for them. I enjoy spending time with them, my wife understands me. They mean the world to me.”

It has been a long winding road for a player who was once used as a left back before moving to midfield.

He has turned out for Dynamos, Buffaloes, Mutare United and Ngezi Platinum.

The Ngezi star grew up in Mutare, attended Zamba Primary School before Sakubva Secondary School.

He later transferred to Mutare Boys High.

Being first born in a family of four seems to have taught him to be responsible and mature.

“We are four boys in our family and I am the eldest. My little siblings are Thomas, Tatenda and Takudzwa.

“The second born was waiting for his A level results. The third born is in form one and the last born is in grade three,” he says.

Not many footballers have Mabvura’s style off the pitch and what he likes when not playing football could be the biggest influence.

“Apart from playing soccer I also play basketball for fun with my friends. My close buddies include Tatenda “Shizzy” Jambo, Sandy Mwaramba and Tatenda Mukuruva.

“If I am not on the pitch I will be out with family or friends, travelling and spending much time with my loved ones or I will be chilling at home listening to some good music.

“I am a hip hop fan and my favourite rapper is T.I and I also love urban grooves,” he says.

His teammates call him Sweet candy. And he just laughs at the mention of the nickname.

“I love socialising, but I hate gossipers and people with negative attitude around me,” he explains.

The fact that he a serious sportsperson means he has to watch what he eats and drinks.

“I drink on occasions, I am more of a juice person. Beer is not healthy for my career.”

He may have played cameo roles over the years, but he has medals to show for it.

He has four league title medals, two Mbada Diamonds Cup medals, one Chibuku trophy medal, three Bob Cup medals and two Charity shields.

But how did he end up at Ngezi?

“My contract came to an end with Dynamos and they did not renew it so I decided to look for another offer and Ngezi had the better offer,” he says.

Much will be expected from the midfielder in 2018 after he finally turned the corner last year.

“The greatest times of my career were when Dynamos won the PSL title four times in a row. Being winners is always overwhelming and that is what I look forward to in the coming season. I have a long way to go,” he says.