At Alex Sports Club in Harare yesterday, Trabablas FC did more than just win a football match. They sent a message.
The Interchange Boys, as they are proudly affectionately-know, toppled Dynamos Academy 2-1 in a ZIFA Harare Province Division 2A week 4 encounter.
For many, beating a Dynamos side at any level is a scalp that echoes for years.
For head coach Admire Kudzanai Karafu, however, it was just another step on a much bigger journey.
Speaking to Fanzone on the backdrop of the ‘Dembare Lite’ demise, Karafu’s sentiments were raw, honest, and laced with vision.
The win was sweet, yet his focus remained locked on the broader mission: transforming a group of semi-professional players into a powerhouse on Zimbabwe’s football circuit.
Reflecting on where his squad is coming from, Karafu admitted the project is still in its infancy.
“Overall it’s still a learning curve for most of our players. It’s a first experience for them,” he said, before adding with a coach’s pragmatism, “We still have a lot to fix and develop. So it’s still work in progress.”
The challenge, he explained, runs deeper than formations and fitness.
Many of his players have come from school soccer, recreational leagues, or what he candidly described as “boozers soccer.”
Now they find themselves in the organized, unforgiving environment of Division 2A, the second tier of Zimbabwean football and a direct feeder to the recently rebranded MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League.
Because of that leap, Karafu noted, the technical team is busy rewiring habits.
“We are still engaging in unlearning old stuff to learn new stuff with most of these players,” he said.
He then laid out the scope of the rebuild: “We are still in the process of turning them tactically, technically, mentally and physically into the road to pro elite soccer.”
The reward for getting it right is tangible.
If Trabablas finish the season at the top of the Division 2A standings, they automatically gain promotion to the MCM Estates Northern Region Soccer League, a gateway to national recognition, bigger crowds, and clashes with Zimbabwe’s traditional giants.
Still, Karafu is careful not to let the log table dictate the mood in camp.
In keeping with that approach, he outlined a measured target for the year: “The objective for this season mainly is to introduce a platform to grasp the introductory cycle gradually till we get to automation level.”
Building on that, he stressed the collective aim of the bench.
“Overall, we as a technical team will work towards maintaining a respectable position for the first season and bring some entertainment to our fans,” said Karafu.
The dream driving it all remains vivid. As the season progresses, Karafu hopes the team will edge closer to the brand of football he envisions, “total pro entertaining football,” the kind that lifts fans out of their seats and keeps them coming back.
After yesterday’s statement win, Karafu was quick to share the credit, especially after last week’s defeat had tested the club’s resolve.
With genuine gratitude, he turned first to the stands.
“As of yesterday’s win, I thank the 12th man, our supporters, for the presents as they continue to be with us after last week’s defeat. Their support means a lot and it’s special to us. I promise them some happy days ahead.”
From there he acknowledged the boardroom faith that underpins the project.
“Also thanking our executive and management for the confidence they have in what we have done so far. It gave us the hope and courage to fight,” he said.
When it came to his players, the pride in his voice was unmistakable.
“To the players, I’m proud of these guys every day and their determination. They are fighters, hardworkers and keen to grow. My wish is to see them soar to great heights in their careers.”
His backroom team drew equally warm praise.
“Also to my technical team, Coach Assa, Coach Washington and Coach Goddie, they are a marvel to work with. They deserve to get such a good result with the work they put in day in, day out.”
Tying it all together, Karafu made it clear the victory belonged to everyone at the club.
“The glory in this victory is never mine but the collective effort from the fans, the executive, the players and the technical team. I’m happy for these people. They deserve such a result,” he said.
Looking ahead, his tone was equal parts hopeful and realistic, just like the newly constructed Trabablas Interchange in the outskirts of Harare where they draw their nickname from.
“Hopefully we will keep on harvesting maximum points. It’s never an easy road but we will work also on our shortcomings and coaching points to make everything sail smoothly,” he noted.
He closed with a statement of intent that matches the lion on the Trabablas FC badge. “Our hope is not to disappoint but roar in the jungle like the lion on our badge. As new boys we are fighting. We will give a worthy fight. Come knowing you are facing a lion. Everything is possible, but our objective is competing to leave a mark in our first season.”
And if Karafu’s blueprint holds, Zimbabwean football had better listen for that roar.
