adminLangton Nyakwenda
FOR Blessing “Bisto” Moyo, the last 12 years have been more like a rollercoaster of emotions.
He burst onto the scene as a fresh faced 17-year-old boy, when Kalisto Pasuwa enrolled him as a junior at Dynamos back in 2012. The following year, he graduated into the senior team and won his first league championship.
He made it two in a row in 2014, before earning a move to Maritzburg United in South Africa, via Harare City. When all was sparkly for the Mufakose bred utility player, injury struck.
A nagging ankle injury blighted his stay in South Africa.
It also cost him a seat on the plane to Gabon for the 2017 African Cup of Nations finals. Resultantly, his stock plummeted and he ended up playing for South Africa’s First Division sides including TS Sporting and Real Kings, before returning home to join FC Platinum in January 2021.
Moyo won his third championship medal, as FC Platinum romped to their fourth consecutive title in 2022.
Once again, misfortune struck.
FC Platinum decided against renewing Moyo’s contract in December 2022 and the defender had to look for a new home.
He found one in Shamva where the local community was abuzz following Simba Bhora’s historical promotion into the Premier Soccer League.
It was not a soft landing for “Bisto” as Go Buju Go struggled to find its feet in a new terrain, ending up fighting against relegation. However, tables have turned for the Shamva side which is currently leading the 2024 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League race.
Simba Bhora are now serious contenders for the championship and Moyo has been a vital cog.
The 29-year-old Moyo has missed just one league game for Simba Bhora, who have 47 points from 24 games and are two points clear of second placed FC Platinum. Moyo has a mission.
He wants to win the league championship with a third different club, having done so with DeMbare and Pure Platinum Play.
He also wants to take his gold medal tally to four.
“The journey continues with a tough task against Bikita Minerals on Saturday (today), but we will take it step by step,” Moyo told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
As he braces for the business end of the season, Moyo is also reminiscing on his 12-year journey in professional football.
“I have enjoyed the road that I have travelled, although there have been some disappointing moments,” he says.
“Not going to the 2017 AFCON finals due to an injury and leaving Maritzburg United because of injury again was so devastating.
“But I really appreciate the love and advise I got from coach Pasuwa. He believed in me and he is the backbone of my career,” he says.
Pasuwa was in charge of the Warriors when they qualified for the 2017 AFCON finals. He had also worked with Moyo at the national Under-23 level in 2015.
“I now understand that in football, a player just needs a coach who understands him.
“Most of the players have the same traits, you just need someone who helps shape your career,” said Moyo.
In Simba Bhora coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, Moyo has a gaffer who understands him “inside out.”
Ndiraya was Pasuwa’s assistant when Moyo turned out for DeMbare.
“Ndiraya is always advising us to never give up. He is a great coach who understands things from different angles.”
Moyo has been one of the standout players at Simba Bhora and should he maintain his form chances are high he could make it onto the 2024 Soccer Stars calendar.
“My main target though is to win the championship with Simba Bhora, and that will be with a third club,” stressed Moyo, who can play anywhere at the back.
He can also be deployed as a defensive link man.
“Whether you are selected to play or not doesn’t matter, you can also be deployed in a different role it still doesn’t matter, what’s important is the team.
“I am pushing so hard because I want to achieve big things with Simba Bhora,” says Moyo.
Simba Bhora are unbeaten in their last eight league games.
They have six wins and two draws.
That’s why Ndiraya is the reigning Coach of the Month.
Online Reporter