On the same day Khama Billiat returned to the Warriors fold, Zimbabwean football was dealt a heavy blow with the passing of another Mufakose icon, Angirayi “Durawall” Chapo. He died at his home in Mufakose yesterday morning.
Chapo is best remembered for captaining Dynamos to league championships in 1989 and 1991, and for his commanding displays at right-back for the Zimbabwe Warriors in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Known as an uncompromising tackler, he earned the nickname Durawall—a defensive wall no winger could get past.
Veteran commentator Charles “CNN” Mabika hailed him as “one of the greatest right wing-backs Zimbabwe has ever produced,” praising not only his hard tackles and leadership on the pitch but also his humility and gentle nature off it.
Chapo wore the captain’s armband at Dynamos from 1988 until 1993, when Memory Mucherahowa succeeded him. Mucherahowa, who grew up with Chapo in Mufakose, paid an emotional tribute:
“It’s like I’ve lost a brother. It would need a book to describe Angirayi’s life.”
Alongside other Mufakose legends like Joel Shambo, Stanley Ndunduma and Cheche Billiat, Chapo carved his name into Zimbabwean football history, both with DeMbare and the Warriors jersey he proudly wore on the international stage.