Murape Murape Biography | Background | Wife and Children | Club Career | International Career | Coaching Career
This is the biography of Murape Charles Murape, a retired Zimbabwean footballer best known for his career as a midfielder with Dynamos Football Club. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving player in the club’s history, starting at the age of 14 and later captaining the team from 2008 until his retirement in 2015.
Background
Early Life
Murape Murape was born on June 1, 1980, in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Education
He attended Churchill Boys High School, where his football talent earned him a spot in the Dynamos Juniors/Reserves team in 1994.
Personal Life
Murape is married to Amanda, with whom he has five children: Elroy, Primrose, Faith, and twins Etana (a girl) and Ethan (a boy). He also has a son, Murape Murape Jr., from a previous customary marriage to Yvonne Kanongovere.
Club Career
Early Career
Murape began his professional career with Dynamos FC’s reserve team in 1994 while still a high school student. He made his senior debut in 1997 and won his first Premier Soccer League title that same year.
In 1998, Murape was part of the Dynamos squad that reached the African Champions League final, playing alongside notable players like Callisto Pasuwa. However, his progress was hindered by a knee injury that year, which affected his playing style.
Achievements at Dynamos
Murape was instrumental in Dynamos’ successes over the years, including:
- Winning the Soccer Star of the Year award in 2007.
- Captaining the team during their dominant streak from 2011 to 2014, where they secured four consecutive league titles under coach Callisto Pasuwa.
Brief Move Abroad
In 2009, Murape briefly joined Mbabane Highlanders in Eswatini but returned to Dynamos after playing only two matches, describing the move as a regrettable decision.
Retirement and Coaching Transition
After retiring, Murape took on coaching roles, beginning with Dynamos’ junior teams. He later coached at Heritage School Academy and worked as an assistant coach for the senior team.
Also read: Gareth Madhake Biography | Age | Education | Club Career | Awards | Clubs Played For
National Team Career
Despite his extensive club career, Murape never represented Zimbabwe at the national level, as he was consistently overlooked by national team coaches.
Trophies Won
Club Titles
- Premier Soccer League: 1997, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Madison Cup: 1999, 2001
- Mbada Diamonds Cup: 2011, 2012
- NetOne Charity Shield: 2011, 2012
- TM Challenge Cup: 2014
- Bob @89, @90, @87 Cups: 2012, 2013, 2014
- Independence Trophy: 2004, 2010, 2013
- CBZ FA Cup: 2007
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Roles
Murape began his coaching career with Dynamos’ junior teams. In 2016, he became an assistant coach for the senior team under Lloyd Mutasa but was relieved of his duties in 2017 due to not meeting the PSL’s licensing requirements.
Return to Coaching
Murape returned as Dynamos’ assistant coach in 2018 but was dismissed in April 2019 after poor team performances. He later became head coach of Real Betis Football Academy in Zimbabwe.
Recent Coaching Roles
In January 2023, Murape rejoined Dynamos as an assistant coach under Herbert Maruwa. However, in August 2023, he was suspended for alleged misconduct, including smoking prohibited substances during training.
Departure from Dynamos
In October 2024, after briefly returning as the second assistant coach, Murape resigned from Dynamos, marking an end to his involvement with the club.
