One of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League’s senior citizens, David Kutyauripo, is not yet contemplating retiring and will carry on for at least a couple more years.
BY HENRY MHARA
The Harare City captain will be turning 37 when the new season commences next March, but he says his legs still carry him like he is a 20-year-old.
Asked whether Harare City’s match against Tsholotsho last weekend was his last, Kutyauripo said he will play many more.
“Age is just a number in football. I’m still part of this team. So I will carry on playing,” he said.
“The most important thing is the work you do on the pitch. I have some idols in Europe, who, at an advanced age like me, are still playing at the highest level. So, like I said, the most important thing is to work hard in training and respect the coaches. I train like a 20-year-old. I don’t drink beer. I don’t smoke and neither do I go clubbing. I feel 20. I’m always at the gym and if I am not there, I will be at home with my family. You won’t find me outside during odd hours of the day.”
The former Caps United and Dynamos defender said he felt he still had a few more years playing at the highest level. But he is already planning his future when he eventually hangs up his boots, targeting a coaching job and hoping to coach Harare City one day.
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The defender had a good season last year, where he was voted the club’s best player and was also chosen among the country’s best 11 players of the season.
This season, though, he has been used sparingly, mainly due to injuries.
“I don’t expect to play every game next season, but I will be there to lead and to inspire the guys so we can achieve our goals. The age factor to me is not something I worry about,” Kutyauripo said.
When the time eventually comes for him to hang his boots, Kutyauripo wants to coach his current club.
“I would want to continue at Harare City and you never know, maybe tomorrow I would be sitting next to the coach (in the technical department). That’s football.”
