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Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe captain Tapuwa Kapini says he refused to be written off when he was dumped by then South Africa Premiership outfit AmaZulu and has played a crucial role to help his new side Highlands Park back into the absa Premiership.

Kapini, who was released by AmaZulu with six months still remaining on his contract in January last year, was over the moon after his side beat Mbombela United 2-0 yesterday to clinch the ticket into the top-flight league.

Speaking to The Herald from his base, Kapini said he refused to be crushed by the disappointments he faced during his career and is looking to reinvent himself even in his 30s.

“In life, don’t give up on your dreams when you know you can achieve. Keep believing in what you do and everything else will fall into place.

“Don’t expect less from your capabilities.

“It’s amazing that directors from one team believe in you when others have cast you out.

“I prayed every day but prayer has to be complemented by hard work.

“So I worked hard, you know me when it comes to commitment, I am one person who puts his whole heart into hard work,” said Kapini.

Highlands Park are returning to the top tier of South African club football for the first time in 34 years after winning all the three games during the PSL promotion playoffs.

They beat Mbombela United 3-0 in the opening match and then edged University of Pretoria 1-0.

Kapini, a former captain at AmaZulu, was honoured by the club last year when they appointed him skipper in the campaign for promotion.

“I can’t express the feeling right now.

“This is the best feeling that I have ever had since I came to play football here (in South Africa), of course apart from that other time when we won the Telkom Cup.

“I believed in myself and put in so much.

“I believe it rubbed off to the other guys as well and look where we are today.

“It’s now up to us as players to make this team succeed and maintain our position in the Premiership when we go out there to play the top dogs,” said Kapini.