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Bruce Chikuni
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHEN one listens to his tale, in a way, it makes sense why former Highlanders, Orlando Pirates and Yadah Stars forward, Ralph “Banolila” Matema feels his efforts in the 2019 Castle Lager Premiership campaign were not fully appreciated.
Matema busted the net 12 times that season.
He was 37 years old and it was a goal tally, which no other Yadah player had reached since the Miracle Boys announced their arrival in the domestic top-flight scene in 2017.
Matema achieved this feat at a time when many felt he had become a spent force as he had been released by Highlanders.
That was before Yadah, a modest outfit with a knack of providing a platform for both young and old players to launch or relaunch their careers, gave him a home.
Matema’s age might have been a contributing factor to the oversight that some had on his contribution to Yadah’s Premiership survival battle, as many tend to assume that when a player over 35, he would have been past his prime.
But the much-travelled Matema debunked this notion, demonstrating that experience and skill can triumph over youth.
He, in fact, finished that 2019 campaign with just two goals behind Clive Augutso who was the eventual Premier Soccer League Golden Boot winner.
Sadly, Matema was ignored in the process where the leagues’ best XI were picked that season. Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Khama Billiat, at 34 years-old has equalled Matema’s record, at the same club, sending local football into a frenzy.
It is undeniable that many are anticipating a new benchmark for the club at the end of the season.
Billiat’s decent run has seen others throwing his name among top contenders of this seasons’ Soccer Star of The Year.
This makes Matema’s claim believable especially when the age difference is factored when they reached the 12th goal mark.
“I enjoyed my career and I can’t mention all the doors which football opened for me. I travelled to different places because of this career. And I met people of different values and beliefs.
“I also feel that my efforts in the 2019 season were under-appreciated, I believe I did a lot for a small team like Yadah scoring 12 goals as a 37-year-old. And it happens in life, some good things will go unnoticed,” said Matema.
Matema called time on his career two seasons ago at the age of 40 and relocated to the United States of America just after the mid-season break.
He had recorded four goals that campaign and his last goal was memorable as he scored the solitary goal that floored Dynamos.
Interestingly, Billiat for his fine run this season, is still to register a goal against the country’s traditional big three, which consist of DeMbare, Highlanders and CAPS United.
But, even if Billiat does not extend his tally, he appears to have done enough to convince selectors that he deserves a place among the country’s Best 11 players for 2024. He would become Yadah’s first player to feature on the famed Castle Lager Soccer Stars calendar, should he be selected.
Online Reporter