Online Reporter
Onward Gangata, [email protected]
FIRST impressions last! But for TelOne goalkeeper, Takudzwa Chikosi, his first few games at the Gweru side did not quite create a good impression among the team’s fans.
A mistake against Dynamos at Ascot stadium gifting Dembare with the winner put a stain to his new chapter in the Midlands capital.
This was followed by a series of jittery performances in the succeeding games coupled by the Wifi Boys’ poor run made life difficult for Chikosi.
For a player whose arrival created a lot of expectation, it was disheartening for the TelOne family.
They felt cheated.
But in football, even the best players go through bad spells, it is something Chikosi understood.
He bided his time while putting a lot of work on the training ground.
And as fate would have it, an injury to the then first-choice Criss Mverechena created an opportunity for the 23-year-old.
It was an opportunity the former Herentals and Triangle shot stopper seized with both hands.
And since then, he has been instrumental in TelOne’s fight for survival.
Chikosi was named man of the match a fortnight ago against FC Platinum before another outstanding performance against Scottland last Friday.
Although TelOne succumbed to a 2-0 loss, the scoreline could have been worse had it not been for the agile goalkeeper.
“I attribute this to hard work and team effort,” he intimated to the Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“We have been working hard as a team, specifically in the goalkeeping department—to push each other, along with the other goalkeepers and our goalkeeping coach,” he added.
TelOne will host fellow strugglers ZPC Kariba at Ascot Stadium this afternoon in a must-win encounter.
While his heroics against the champions last week, including a penalty save, were in vain, Chikosi believes the club’s survival hinges on the Gweru side keeping it tight at the back.
“Survival ultimately comes down to scoring goals and keeping clean sheets. I hope we can replicate that experience and build on those defensive performances as we fight to stay up.
“I have made a few penalty saves here and there. It definitely boosts my confidence, as well as the team’s, knowing their keeper can handle that kind of pressure,” he added.
Despite his side sitting 16th on the log table with 17 points, he says he will not change his playing style to keep it safe.
He insists modern goalkeepers must play like daredevils, taking risks and using their feet more often.
“I believe modern keepers need to be good with their feet. That’s where the play starts — right from the back,” he said confidently.
