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Veronica Gwaze

TENDAI Matindife has undergone rehabilitation after a spell of drug and substance abuse that threatened to wreck his football career.

The 23-year-old midfielder has this season resurfaced at CAPS United following his ignominious exit from Dynamos.

And tomorrow CAPS United will host ZPC Kariba in a Castle Lager Premiership tie that has more than just the three points at stake for Matindife.

It is a game that presents him with a chance to charm CAPS United coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

Pleasing Chitembwe will not be an easy task given the CAPS United coach’s work ethic and principles and Matindife would have to prove his worth.

He also needs to show that he has overcome his demons and ready to revive a career that had gone off the rails since 2022 when the bad boy tag characterised his time at Ngezi Platinum Stars when allegations of drug and substance abuse first surfaced.

He then had a stint at Dynamos last year, where he became a key member of the Glamour Boys’ league title chase.

But ill-discipline meant he missed some training sessions and resultantly, his form took a dip.

Now after being given a chance for a re-start at CAPS United, the spotlight will be on Matindife. He made his CAPS United debut last weekend when coming on as a second-half substitute against FC Platinum at Mandava.

The match, however, ended prematurely with FC Platinum leading 1-0 as some CAPS United hooligans invaded the pitch in protest against a disallowed goal.

Matindife admitted to his shortcomings and feels he has reformed.

“Second half of the season at Dynamos I struggled, it was after the departure of Herbert Maruga and when Genesis Mangombe came, he brought in a new type of play which took me a long time to adjust to.

“Emotionally I struggled, I could not control my anger so I ended up having disciplinary issues on and off the pitch.

“I will not defend myself, yes there are times I did drugs, I even lacked concentration on the field of play.” 

He said he wants to put behind his ordeal with drugs and show gratitude to Chitembwe by playing well for CAPS United.

 “I did take drugs but not because of anyone’s influence like most people believe; it is all history now because I have reformed and I just want to focus on the game and prove a point.

“CAPS United gave me a chance to prove myself again, I dedicate the season to coach Chitembwe, just to thank him for the opportunity and risking his reputation by taking me in.

“When I came to Dynamos, I wanted to play for a big team with the dream of making a name and securing an international move.

“I regret the way things panned out, I realised that I had almost become a lost cause and had to get rehabilitation; now I invest most of my time in training and I am happy at CAPS.”

CAPS United go into battle seventh on the log standings with six points, seven behind log leaders Highlanders.

But their newboy is confident they can climb up the ladder and also win in the Chibuku Super Cup.

“This is a warm home full of stars who have the experience, some people may condemn my move but this is huge for me.

“I am learning a lot from them, personally I can note my improvement though I know there is room to do more and I believe we have the weapons to win silverware this season.

“This weekend we need a win after what happened last weekend, a win is a must just to boost our confidence going forward.

“We also need points to stay in the safe zone on the log standings to avoid pressure towards the end of the season.”