Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHILE Herentals forward Ralph Kawondera continues grabbing headlines with goals, another Ralph is quietly building his own story at Agama.
He doesn’t have nine goals beside his name or a place among the league’s leading scorers. But Ralph Nyamukura is beginning to make people pay attention.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has become one of Agama’s most consistent players in a difficult season, contributing two goals and three assists while starting every league match except the trip to Herentals.
For a player experiencing Castle Lager Premier Soccer League football for the first time, he has settled quicker than many expected.
His performance against defending champions Scottland recently turned heads, even in defeat.
Agama lost 2-1 at Wadzanayi in Shamva, but Nyamukura looked comfortable against experienced opposition and left with more people asking who he was than talking about his lack of PSL experience.
“This is my first time playing in the PSL, so I want to impress every game. I am motivated,” said Nyamukura.
“PSL football is a different ball game altogether. PSL football is top notch.”
The midfielder’s journey has not followed a straight line.
Born and raised in Chegutu, Nyamukura earned a scholarship to Gutu High before moving to Chegutu Pirates after the Covid-19 period. Game time proved difficult to come by, and he eventually moved to CUMA Academy, the project owned by former Warriors striker Cuthbert Malajila.
Agama came for him while still in Division Two, and he has grown with the club.
Now he finds himself trying to help the Mt Darwin side survive their first season in the top flight.
Recent results have given Agama some breathing space. Their first ever Premiership win over FC Hunters helped pull them away from the foot of the table, although they remain second from bottom and still deep in the relegation fight.
Nyamukura believes their position does not tell the whole story.
“We are in the relegation zone and we are feeling bad. As players we are not happy.
“But we are not that bad, we are just making a few mistakes.
“If we win two consecutive games then everything changes.
“We are controlling some of the games, and I can feel the future is bright.”
Agama’s mood has also improved off the pitch.
The club recently received a boost after Africa Minerals Ventures acquired a 50 percent stake, a move that helped clear outstanding salaries and brought fresh investment.
“We are happy and motivated,” Nyamukura said.
Sunday now brings another big test away to TelOne at Ascot, with two sides fighting to keep their heads above water.
