Former CAPS United, Dynamos and Warriors left-back Harlington Shereni this year completes a decade playing in Europe. Now 35, Shereni is captain of French Ligue 2 club Nantes. This is The Truth About Harlington Shereni:
Born: July 6, 1975
Hometown: Chiredzi
Marital Status & Children: Single with two children daughter Tatyanah, 9, and son Tyrone, 5
Can you give a brief history of your football career?
I began playing football seriously at Hippo Valley High School where we won the Coca-Cola schools championships three times. I remember one time we played against a Mzilikazi High School team featuring Peter Ndlovu and Benjamin Nkonjera. We lost of course, and they went on to the final where they beat Seke High who had a very good team led by Morgan Nkatazo, whom I would later play alongside at CAPS United.
I got lucky as Freddie Mkwesha signed me for CAPS United straight from school in 1995. I played a season for them before going on loan to Charlie Jones’ Air Zimbabwe Jets who were playing in Division One. In the first season it was a battle to survive relegation, and in my second season we got promoted into the Premier League.
Sunday Marimo (now Chidzambwa) signed me for Dynamos at the start of the 1998 season and we nearly won the league in 1999 but on the final day of the season we lost 2-1 to eventual champions Highlanders at Barbourfields. I missed a penalty in the game which was saved by Amon Chimbalanga, certainly one of my worst days.
I left Dynamos for Delemont in Switzerland where I played for five years. I then moved to French Ligue 2 club Istres. I didn’t stay long there as I signed for Guingamp in Ligue 1. I would play for the next three years. In 2007, I joined Nantes. I’m still with them and was their captain in the past season.
Is there any particular individual, more than any other, whom you can credit for helping you to where you are today?
I would say Freddie Mkwesha, Charlie Jones and Sunday Marimo all helped me at different critical moments in my career. Mkwesha believed in me when I left school. In the first game of the season he threw me into the starting line-up against a Highlanders team with the likes of Mercedes Sibanda and Willard Khumalo. I lined up playing left-back alongside the likes of Joe Mugabe, Silver Chigwenje, Cheche Billiart, Morgan Nkatazo, Mpumelelo Dzowa and Albert Dalala Mabika.
With Jones, he was like a second father, he looked after me. He’s still my godfather, a truly great guy. We were so close that at one stage I was even staying at his house.
Marimo on the other hand prepared me for the international stage. I learnt from him how to handle big games. I don’t think I would have got the move to Switzerland if I hadn’t met him, if I hadn’t had the experience at Dynamos.
Which game holds special memories for you?
That would be my first game for Zimbabwe. We played Zambia in the COSAFA Castle Cup final at the National Sports Stadium. We lost 1-0 but it was a tremendous honour to line up with the likes of Bruce Grobbelaar, Peter and Adam Ndlovu and Benjamin Nkonjera. You can make the point that I played with the greatest Zimbabwean footballers.
What other activity do you enjoy apart from playing football?
Playing pool. I also watch tennis and Formula 1. I’m a big fan of Lewis Hamilton.
Do you still keep tabs on your old team Dynamos?
I do follow them, but it’s a club that always has problems. Amazingly, they still survive with all their problems. I guess in a way if there was tranquillity there, then it wouldn’t be Dynamos!
What were you like at school?
I was a calm character. I was a prefect from Form 3 to A’ Level. It was to stop me from being mischievous than rewarding discipline I think.
If you were to be 18 again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t change anything. I’m lucky to be where I am and I’m lucky to have what I have. I am lucky to have the experience that I have today, so I don’t think I would change anything.
If you could be invisible for a day, what would you get up to?
I would slap a wild lion, not once but over an hour. ‘Iwe shumba iwe’, pwa!, ‘iwe shumba iwe’, pwa!’ (chuckles). I just pray I don’t become visible while at it.
Messi, Ronaldo or Rooney?
Rooney is from my team but Messi is just extra-ordinary.
What’s your favourite movie?
Gladiator.
What are you most afraid of?
Losing my family through death.
Do you believe in UFOs?
No, I don’t think the stories are real.
Can you describe yourself in three words?
Calm, respectful and fun.
Which song holds special memories for you?
James Chimombe’s Shuwa Kudakwashe Hakurambwi. It reminds me of my late step-brother’s son. When I hear the song I think of the trauma his son went through following his death.
What was the last book you read?
Angels and Demons by Danny Brown.
What is your most valuable possession?
My piano.
If a singer or group was to perform at your party, who would get the call?
For my wedding it would be Boys II Men, but for a party it would have to be Snoop Dogg. I think Snoop brings a nice ambiance to a place.
Is there someone you would like to meet before you die?
Barack Obama.
What’s your idea of a sexy woman?
It’s the heart that matters. Looks are important, but I think the heart trumps the outside appearance.
Name one thing you’d never travel without?
Photos of my children.
Strong runner ... Harlington Shereni in action