FORMER Dynamos forward Emmanuel Mandiranga has emerged as an unlikely game changer for Harare City, breathing new life into their title challenge following his arrival during the mid-season transfer window.

Mandiranga joined the Sunshine Boys following the departure of creative midfielder Brendon Jerimani to Premiership side Simba Bhora.

Jerimani had been the creative hub of the City side and his absence was soon felt as title rivals Black Rhinos opened an eight-point lead at the top of the standings.

The lack of a cutting edge in front of goal further complicated coach Try Ncube’s task.

Ncube acknowledged the difficulty of replacing Jerimani, admitting it could take more than one player to fill the void.

“If we are to replace that position by bringing in two players, we have to because the way Brendon Jerimani was holding that position was unmatched,” Ncube said.

But while City were searching for answers, Mandiranga was fighting a battle of his own.

After impressing with Mozambican giants UD Songo early last year, where he featured in continental football, Mandiranga attracted interest from the Middle East, only for a prospective move to collapse amid conflict in the region.

He returned to Zimbabwe and joined Manica Diamonds, but his stay was cut short by an injury which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Mandiranga then found himself without a club at the beginning of this campaign and spent seven months on the sidelines after recovering from injury.

It was a period that tested both his patience and belief.

“To be honest, it was tough just not playing, knowing that no one was willing to take a chance on you,” Mandiranga said.

“It was a stressful period, but I’m grateful for the support system that I have. They kept motivating me to push and I kept training on my own, but it was tough.”

Despite doubts creeping in, memories of what he had achieved only months earlier kept him going.

“I was doubting a lot, but the thing which kept me going was that a few months ago I was playing Champions League football in a foreign country and I was one of the best performers.

“So, I just left everything to the Almighty.”

His road back eventually led him to Harare City and Ncube, a coach he already knew.

Unable to secure a club at the start of the season, Mandiranga began training with the Sunshine Boys, although the transfer window had already closed and City's squad was full.

“When I couldn’t find a club at the start of the league coming from injury, I decided to go and train with someone I know, which is the coach of Harare City, Mr Ncube,” he said.

“But it was too late because the window was closed and the squad was full, so I kept training there until the window opened.”

The patience has paid off.

Mandiranga has scored four goals in his first five appearances for City, quickly establishing himself as an important figure in their championship push.

His latest contribution came in the recent top-of-the-table showdown against Black Rhinos, when his header secured a crucial victory and kept City's title hopes alive.

For someone who had spent months wondering when his next opportunity would come, the goal carried considerable emotion.

“I wanted to cry. It was full of emotions because it brought the belief that I can still do it and all the sacrifices paid off,” Mandiranga said.

The forward credits his teammates for helping him rediscover his confidence.

“Just the support I am getting. Everyone is pushing me, since I am kind of a senior now, to score, so it pushes me too to work extra hard during games,” he said.

Of his four goals, Mandiranga singles out his first, against CP Chemicals, as the most significant.

“The first one versus CP Chemicals. It opened the floodgates, that’s why it’s special,” he said.

His spell away from competitive football has also given him a renewed appreciation of the game.

“Looking back now, it helps me realise that you have to appreciate every minute you get while playing. Don’t take it for granted because when you are not playing and you don’t want to retire, you will miss the game,” he said.

“I am hoping to get back in the big league and also play in the national team. That’s the goal.”

Mandiranga’s transition into the City side has been seamless, largely because he spent months training with the squad before he became eligible to play.

“It wasn’t that difficult because I knew everyone since I was training with these guys all along,” he said.

“They know what I am expecting from them and I know what they are expecting from me.”

Ncube believes the experienced forward has brought more than goals to his side.

“We’ve got many senior players and Mandiranga is one of them. He brings a lot of experience to our team. He also brings a lot of energy and leadership,” Ncube said.

The City coach is particularly impressed by Mandiranga’s contribution despite having played little competitive football this year.

“You can see the way he’s playing. He’s pushing hard despite his lack of match fitness,” Ncube said after edging Black Rhinos.

“Remember, he’s only playing his fifth game of the season. From January up to July he was not playing, so he is very important in our title push.”

Four goals in five matches represent a remarkable turnaround for a player whose career appeared to be at a crossroads only a few months ago.

Mandiranga has found a new lease of life at Harare City.

And, in return, the Sunshine Boys may just have found the game changer they needed to revive their championship charge.