Balakasi over the moon

Bruce Chikuni

SIMBA Bhora forward, Tinashe ‘Maswera’ Balakasi is over the moon after being selected to represent Zimbabwe in the challenge match against Namibia at the National Sports Stadium on Monday.

Balakasi’s dream of donning the Warriors colours finally came true at the age of 32 as he was introduced just after the restart and he was one of the better players though he was also guilty of failing to beat the ‘keeper from close range.

He has finished as Simba Bhora’s top goal scorer in their past two season, netting 25 times when they secured their ZIFA Northen Region Division One slot and he recorded 32 goals when the team achieved their PSL status last campaign.

Balakasi is currently leading the club’s scoring chart with four goals despite enduring a reduced role for the better part of the first round of fixtures

Looking back at Monday’s game, Balakasi said he was surprised with the call-up and he hailed coach, Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa, who was in charge of this selection for recognizing him.

“I was really happy with the call up, I want to thank GOD for answering my prayer, I prayed for the moment and I was starting to believe that maybe it is never going to come. It brought joy to the club and importantly my family.

“I did know about my inclusion in the squad until our coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, informed me before our Saturday’s match against Yadah, for a moment, I thought he was just trying to boost my confidence levels. But everything felt more real when he revealed more details telling me what I was supposed to do after the that match.

“But I still cannot believe that it happed and I was also happy with my performance and I also feel that with a bit of luck, I could have netted, I was really close. This opportunity has also challenged me to push to the extremes and to score as many goals as possible,’’ said Balakasi.

The teams’ goalie, Simbarashe Chinani was also selected in this squad but he was an unused substitute. Meaniwhile, Simba Bhora forward, Simbarashe Maramwidze, finally opened his PSL account in their weekend’s 1-1 draw against Yadah.

It means, he has now joined Balakasi on the short list of the team players who have now scored for the club in Division Two, Northern Region and PSL.