adminBruce Chikuni
AGELESS Warrior, Onismor Bhasera, feels he is ready for the responsibility that comes with captaining SuperSport United.
The veteran defender will replace goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who left the club to join champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Bhasera’s appointment means SuperSport United have become the first South African Premiership club to have a Zimbabwean coach and captain in the same year.
The Pretoria-based side were under the guidance of Zimbabwean coach, Kaitano Tembo, earlier this year.
He has since moved to Sekhukhune United.
“It (being captain) is a big responsibility, SuperSport is a big club,” said Bhasera.
“But, I’ve got to take it with both hands and I will, obviously, have to go out there and lead by example.
“I need to bring my A-game, so it’s going to be an interesting season.
“Ronwen served the club well and it’s a big loss, but it’s a big opportunity for someone else to come in and fill those shoes.
“He (Williams) is gone, but that’s football.
“Players are always moving around. We wish him luck at his new club,” said Bhasera.
The veteran defender will lead his side for the first time this weekend when they take on Chippa United to mark the start of the DStv Premier Soccer League campaign.
Bhasera’s appointment has shown that hard work pays.
He also won the club’s Player of The Season accolade for the 2021/22 season.
The 36-year-old is still going strong and appears to be getting better with age.
He is reaping the rewards of discipline, on and off the field.
Interestingly, most players he first embarked his football journey with, have either retired or are staggering in the wilderness.
Coach Gavin Hunt’s decision to invest in the wisdom, and experience of Bhasera, when it comes to his captaincy, has been hailed by many on social media.
The expectation was that Hunt would appoint Thulani Hlatshwayo as captain.
“Thulani won a lot of things with me, he was my captain and he was the Bafana Bafana captain but we need to put the past behind,” said Hunt.
“He is 31 years old and he is not at his prime yet and I think he will do a great job for us on both ends of the field.
“He needs a little bit of time to get over what happened to him in the past seasons.”
He explained why he chose Bhasera.
“He is experienced and he is a great professional. He is a leader and I think he will take the role well.
“He had a great season last year and we need someone who is going to be verbal and keep the standards as high as possible, not only on the field, but off the field too and I am sure that ‘Bash’ will do a great job.
“He has my full support, I chose him, it was not a democratic decision,” said Hunt.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter