Sydney Mubaiwa

MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

GWERU – New Premier League soccer team, Sheasham FC have appointed former Gweru United star Wonder Chaka as the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The development was confirmed by the club’s Vice President Happiness Dziva in a statement.

“The 1981 soccer star finalist Wonder ‘Wonder Boy’ Chaka is now part of the Sheasham family. He is now the Chief Executive Officer,” he said.

The road to prominence for Chaka started in 1976 when he joined Gweru United juniors at the age of 17.

At the age of 19 in 1978 he earned a place in the senior team famously known as Pisa-Pisa.

He was loaned to Caps United in 1979 as Pisa-Pisa could not afford to pay his wages.

The club’s rank and file felt it could not afford his salary which was way above the rest of the players.

He stamped his authority as such his presence was felt at Caps United where he played alongside the late Stanley ‘Sinyo’ Ndunduma, Joel Shambo, Stanford ‘Stix’  Mutizwa and Shakeman ‘Mr Goals’ Tauro. 

The Harare side was coached by Obadiah Sarupinda and Ashton Nyazika. 

In 1980, he was loaned to Rio Tinto where he stayed until mid-season. At Rio Tinto, he played alongside Wonder Phiri and Joseph Zulu before returning to Gweru United. 

His star shone brighter in 1981 and he was picked as one of the soccer stars of the year. 

His 25 goals in the season were not only winning the hearts of many in the Midlands province, but they propelled Gweru United into a dominant force in the Super League.

It came as no surprise when the then 21-year-old Chaka was picked to be part of the pioneering Zimbabwe National Football team at Independence in 1980 where he played up to 1984.

Chaka went into coaching, assuming the leadership of lower division outfit ZimAlloys. 

In no time, authorities at ZimAlloys catapulted him to director of sports. 

He then hung his boots in 1986 to concentrate on his full time job. 

Chaka was born on 31 July, 1958 at Gweru General Hospital. 

He was born in a family of three and he being the only son. 

His family fellowship at Dutch Reformed Church where he is an elder. 

Sheasham F. C supporters who spoke to The Mirror Sport said there is no doubt that Chaka will bring a wealth of experience to the newly promoted construction boys. 

“We are grateful for his appointment and we are very confident that Chaka will take our team to greater levels considering his experience in sport,” said Brian Tembo.