Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi

FOOTBALL’S power to reunite families manifested itself on Saturday when CAPS United captain Phineas Bamusi almost broke down on meeting his uncle at the Silver Stadium in Lilongwe, Malawi.

It was an emotional moment for Bamusi when he recognised Morris, his father’s brother, whom he previously met just once in Mutare.

CAPS United are in a two-week pre-season camp in Malawi where they are also engaging in friendly matches against top clubs from this country, including the one they engaged with Silver Stars, yesterday.

But the tour has turned out to be a two-pronged blessing for Bamusi along with three of his teammates, Wesley Milanzi, Brian Kadamanja and Ishmael Wadi whose roots are in the Warm Heart of Africa.

Bamusi’s uncle, Morris, was born in Zimbabwe and worked at Inyathi Mine before he decided to join his clan back in Malawi in 1988.

The player’s father, who is based in Mutare, opted to stay put in Zimbabwe but he hasn’t cut communication with his family in Malawi.

And when CAPS United arranged the tour, Morris was contacted but without Phineas’ knowledge, and the affable man just showed up at the Silver Stadium during the Green Machine’s first training session on Saturday.

“I saw Phineas, I think in 2022. That was my first time seeing him because I migrated back to Malawi in 1988 before he was born,” said Morris.

“We were only following him in the news as we were told he was now a popular footballer in Zimbabwe.

“But we didn’t have much time to talk when we met in 2022. So I am here to see him.

“I should say I am extremely happy to see him coming here.”

Bamusi has never been to Malawi all his life.

“Yes, Malawi is where we come from. I am extremely happy to have travelled here for the first time,” said Bamusi.

“I am even happier after meeting with my uncle. It’s a trip that has opened my eyes both in terms of football and general life.”

Striker Wadi’s roots are also in Malawi.

He last visited his family when his parents took him to Blantyre when he was around 10.

“It’s always good to be back to where it all began,” said Wadi.

“Our homeland is in Blantyre, but just being in Malawi makes me happy, thanks to CAPS United for this trip.”

Defender Kadamanja actually speaks fluent Chichewa language, the local dialect in Malawi.

“Back home in Zimbabwe, we have a community of people whose roots are in Malawi. We almost always converse in Chichewa. That’s how I mastered the language,” Kadamanja said.

“This is my first time in Malawi and I am just happy to be where my family always speak about.

“I am feeling at home and I love the warmth the Malawians are showing. “I also need to salute the CAPS United president Farai Jere for bringing the team here.”

Milanzi, who has also never been to Malawi before, echoed his teammates’ sentiments.

Club president, Farai Jere, said: “It’s good to see some of these players feeling the way they are feeling just because football has taken them to a place which is closer to their hearts but they have never been there before.

“That gives me a lot of satisfaction because football isn’t only about winning matches in the field of play. It’s also about gratifying things like these. I am very happy to see these players as happy as they are.”

Makepekepe will play against Silver Stars once again on Wednesday before they take on another Malawian top-flight side on Sunday.

They will play another high-profile friendly against a Mozambican team when they make a stopover in Tete en-route back home.

The Green Machine are looking quite organised heading into the 2026 Premier Soccer League season that kicks-off on March 6 after they roped in Takesure Chiragwi as the head coach in December last year.

They also signed most of their target players, including Richard Hachiro, Brett Amidu, Obriel Chirinda and goalkeeper Wallace Magalane by the end of October last year.