By Onward Gangata
AT the end of the 2014 season, Dennis Dauda had the world at his feet, after being crowned as the Soccer Star of the year.
Then, he was playing for ZPC Kariba in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
It was a remarkable feat that would open doors in Dauda’s career.
The Kwekwe born defender would go on to feature for Caps United, Black Rhinos and even cross the borders to Zambia.
However, in January 2023, Dauda was forced to take a sabbatical from football after he was diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB).
It was a break that took him nearly two years on the sidelines.
However, at the beginning of this season, Dauda put pen to paper at newly promoted side Kwekwe United.
At the Gold boys, the former ZPC Kariba, Caps United defensive player has been one of the club’s stalwarts.
He has featured 11 times for the premiership’s new boys.
“I always feel good when i’m on the pitch, and it’s great that I’m back,” he intimated to The Echo Sports.
“Yes, I fell ill then, but I am a fighter, I don’t think about it anymore, I just love doing what I know best.”
But at the age of 37, many may wonder how Dauda found his way back to the field.
Most of his age mates have probably retired or ventured into coaching.
Saul Chaminuka’s Impact
As Dauda explains, it was Saul Chaminuka, who convinced him to return to the fold.
“Saul Chaminuka is the one who told me to come back and play football again,” explained the dreadlocked defender.
“He wanted me to join him when he came to Kwekwe United, but i wanted to join the club, not as a player.
“After a couple of training sessions, he told me that ‘you are still in good shape and condition, I want you to be in the team.”
The fight to survive
Despite his assured displays for the Midlands based side, results have continued to elude Kwekwe United.
They currently anchor the log standings with a measly eight points from 14 matches.
This has placed a burden on Dauda’s shoulders,to provide leadership to the young players in the squad.
Dauda, together with Allen Gahadzikwa and Masimba Mambare are the most experienced players in the team.
“As senior players we have a big role in the team and it’s our duty to motivate the young boys,” quipped Dauda.
“The situation we are in now as a team, is just a phase, we want to fight and get out of the danger zone.
“We can do it and i believe in the team, the players we have exhibit a lot of quality and character to fight.”
