Faith Ndou
Zimbabwean football fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the death of Dynamos Football Club legend and former captain, Angirayi ‘The Durawall’ Chapo.
Angirayi Chapo affectionately known as “Durawall” died at his Mufakose residence.
The news has left fans, former teammates and the wider sporting community in shock and sorrow.
The nickname Durawall was no exaggeration, it perfectly summed up the man and the player. A hard tackling right wing back and former captain of Dynamos Football Club, Chapo was the embodiment of strength, reliability and resilience.
On the pitch, he was an unyielding force, a wall that opponents struggled to breach. His commitment to the blue and white jersey of DeMbare was unquestionable, his leadership undeniable.
Chapo joined Dynamos in 1984, lured by Clayton Munemo from CAPS United.
At Dynamos, he found his true home and quickly rose to become a dependable defender and later captain.
For the Glamour Boys faithfuls, Chapo was more than just a player, he was a leader who inspired by example, a warrior whose fearlessness and grit defined an era. Leading Dynamos during those years required courage and as many fans recall, only men of steel could wear the armband. Chapo was one of them.
Beyond football, he was deeply rooted in his Mufakose community, remembered not just as an athlete but as a neighbour, a friend and a humble man who touched lives off the field.
The outpouring of grief on social media reflects the depth of his impact.
Football guru and H-Metro editor Robson Sharuko remembered him as a natural leader, a no nonsense defender who was old fashioned but highly effective. He said that leading Dynamos in that era was not easy and required men of steel and Chapo was one of them.
“He was a natural leader, he played for the badge and was a no nonsense defender, old fashioned but very effective. His hard work, and respect for his game, took him places and to lead Dynamos in that era was not an easy job and wasn’t for the faint-hearted men. It needed men of steel and Durawall was one of them. I covered him and it’s a blessing. Rest in peace mate,” said Sharuko.
Another Facebook user Itai Musengeyi recalled the unforgettable look he gave John Sibanda after the goalkeeper’s costly error against Congo Brazzaville which denied the Warriors their first ever AFCON appearance, a moment that showed how his presence spoke louder than words.
“I remember him for the talking eye he cast on John Sibanda after his howler against Congo Brazzaville denying the Warriors their first ever appearance at AFCON.”
For Saviours ‘The Man’ his name brought back memories of the days when football was about passion rather than financial gain. One fan reflected on listening to matches on a small radio during the August holidays, recalling how Angirayi Chapo’s name was always mentioned by Inglam Nyathi on Radio 2 whenever Dynamos played Highlanders, an era when football carried a different meaning.
“I vividly remember when my late uncle came home for the August holidays
He could bring his small People’s radio and football was my thing especially when Highlanders played Dembare.
Angirayi Chapo s name was always mentioned by Inglam Nyathi on the then Radio 2
Yes Chapo your name brings back those days when football was played for passion and not for financial gain. Rest in peace son of the soil. Till we meet in after life,” said Saviours.
As Zimbabwe bids farewell, we extend our deepest condolences to the Chapo family. His final whistle has blown but his legacy remains.
Angirayi “Durawall” Chapo fought the good fight, played the beautiful game with passion and left behind a name forever etched in the history of Zimbabwean football.
Rest in peace, son of the soil.
