Esrom Nyandoro has revealed the secrets behind his rise to Mamelodi Sundowns captaincy, urging current players to follow in the footsteps of legends like Michael Manzini, Method Mwanjale, and Hlompho Kekana, who also held a similar role.
Nyandoro, a revered former midfielder, had a lengthy tenure at Sundowns between 2004 and 2014. In his illustrious career, Nyandoro played for only three clubs: Zimbabwe Saints, AmaZulu of Zimbabwe, and Sundowns.
His reputation for scoring from long-range shots still precedes him. He made over 150 Betway Premiership appearances for the multiple-time champions, while earning 56 caps for the Zimbabwe national team and scoring eight goals.
The 46-year-old revealed the driving force behind his Sundowns success, emphasising a crucial ingredient for any player aiming to make it big.
Nyandoro took over captaincy from Michael Manzini and held the Sundowns armband for various periods between 2007 and 2010. That was before his compatriot Method Mwanjale took over the armband in 2010.
Teko Modise also followed in that order as Sundowns developed into a mean machine that has kept the Betway Premiership title in their stranglehold.
FROM SNEAKING OUT TO SUNDOWNS CAPTAIN: NYANDORO’S PATH TO THE TOP
Speaking on Zimbabwe’s Fanzone Podcast, Nyandoro briefly explained how his background instilled discipline, which has benefited him even beyond the field of play. He said former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha and ex-Jomo Cosmos striker Benjani Mwaruwari paved the way for his success in South Africa.
“Growing up with strict parents, I wasn’t allowed to play football. So I would sneak out in the morning to play, and then sneak back in to wash off the dust, hoping not to get caught. But that discipline stuck with me, and I think it’s been key to my success,” Nyandoro said.
WHY NYANDORO CREDITS CHIEFS LEGEND NENGOMASHA FOR HIS SA SUCCESS
“Having an extra training session, psychologically, gives you an edge – it tells you you’re ahead of the game. I also had role models like Benjani, who played in South Africa before moving to France. And Tinashe Nengomasha, a Kaizer Chiefs legend and former player of the year. They still talk about him at Chiefs.
“I wanted to be like them, and I was lucky to see what they achieved. You idolise them and think, I want to reach there too. Discipline was key for me, and I think I’m disciplined.”
Nyandoro added: “I got my first national team call-up at 19, and was part of the COSAFA Cup team at 18. The late Misheck Marimo would call me up to learn from the likes of Peter Ndlovu, who was coming from England. At 21, I made my debut, and we won against Burkina Faso. The late Blessing Makunike scored, and I won Man of the Match.”
Nyandoro continues to make good strides after retiring. He was recently appointed Zimbabwe’s team manager. He is also Kwekwe United’s scout. In addition, his chapter with Sundowns continues as he is a youth coach at the club.
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