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marriage of Manchester United and a fleet of Harare taxi cabs.
The sight of Captain Vidic gliding down Princess Road in all white, would have many people doing a double take, and frantically pinching themselves, just to be sure they are not dreaming.
But not to worry, it is just one part of the realisation of Darlington Nyamangara’s dream.

Captain Vidic is a Toyota Ipsum, one of the five vehicles which make up United Taxis, part of the fulfillment of a young man’s dream, inspired by a poster in an old monthly magazine.
“My father brought home to Mhondoro an old copy of Parade magazine. There were two posters in there – one of Manchester United, and another of CAPS United.
“From that day on, I was hooked on Manchester United. I put up the posters in my bedroom.
“I remember Wes Brown, Ryan Giggs, Paul Ince and David Beckham on that poster. I fell in love with the team, even though I had never seen them play.

“I also fell in love with CAPS United, and up to today, these are my favourite teams,” said Nyamangara (28).
“As I went through school at Rio Tinto (Mhondoro), I retained my dream. I later came to Harare and joined the civil service,” he said.
At the height of the country’s economic crunch in 2008, he – like thousand others – left the civil service and sought to make a living elsewhere.
However, he chose to stay in the country and try his hand at retail.

“I was mainly into phones. I saved up some money and bought a car. That became the first United taxi. I had it painted in the colours of Manchester United, and it was the birth of United Taxis.”
His passion for Manchester United has grown with his company.
“I have bought everything I can lay my hands on that has to do with Manchester United.

“I have the regalia, I have posters, stickers, mugs, duvets . . . you name it, I have it.
“And I am still looking for more. I wonder where I can get a carpet,” he said.
Nyamangara is single and neither drinks nor smokes.

My passion is football. Whenever possible, I watch football and Manchester United is still my team. Even more now than ever before.
“My favourite player is Ryan Giggs.
“He is a true legend,” he said.

Sadly, at the time of writing, the black and red Ryan Giggs cab was out on a trip, and missed the photo shoot. The other members of the team are: Sir Alex Ferguson, Captain Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Chicharito.
Darlington said he is exploring other business ventures and he will maintain the Manchester United theme.
“I am not going to stop loving this team, and United remains my brand name of choice.
“”The taxi business will remain the most visible aspect of the business and we will continue to develop it, though we have no plans to increase it in size.

“We will simply improve on the services we offer,” he said.
The drivers of the vehicles are all keen Manchester United fans, and the brotherly bond that exists between Darlington and his team is interesting to note.

A bit like football teammates.
Perhaps that is to be expected.

After all, the company is called United and it is built around a common love for a famous old football club.