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Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
PROLIFIC Highlanders striker Lynoth Chikuhwa is deriving more inspiration from the disappointment of being left out of the Warriors squad at the last minute.
The Highlanders forward was, until Sunday, part of the national team set to participate in the ongoing COSAFA Cup tournament in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), South Africa.
But he was dropped in unclear circumstances as ZIFA reshuffled, not for the first time, the composition of the team, ahead of its departure for the annual regional contest on Tuesday.
Chikuhwa was not the only victim of ZIFA’s consistent chopping and changing, as other players, including Leslie Kashitigu, goalkeeper Joseph Kaunda, Tawanda Chisi, and Mthokozisi Msebe, found themselves in the same boat.
But it is the axing of the Bosso striker, who jointly leads the Premier Soccer League’s scoring charts along with William Manondo (CAPS United) and Evans Rusike (Bikita Minerals) having scored seven goals each, that had tongues wagging.
Chikuhwa was also omitted from the Warriors World Cup squad for the back-to-back qualifiers against Lesotho and South Africa earlier this month.
He had, however, been hoping to cut the COSAFA squad but was again left out in the cold.
However, interim coach Jairos Tapera and his assistants Takesure Chiragwi and Saul Chaminuka decided to take other strikers Michael Tapera, Never Rauzhi, Takunda Benhura, and Washington Mapuwa to Gqeberha.
Despite his exclusion, Chikuhwa is not looking at it from a negative perspective, as he feels the setback could push him to work even harder.
At 31, Chikuhwa has encountered so many hurdles in his career including a largely disappointing 2023 season where he scored just three goals and survived ouster by mere luck after all his colleagues in the final third were axed at Bosso early this term.
“You know playing for the national team is one thing that every player dreams of. When I was included in the Warriors squad for the Cosafa tournament, I felt fulfilled and I was already planning to go out there and showcase myself while helping my country’s cause,” said Chikuhwa.
“But then disappointments are there. I don’t have any hard feelings towards anyone or against the process. I respect and support all the players chosen to do the duty for their country.
“I know there is time for everything and everyone. My time will also come and I will need others’ support as well.
“So, I will be cheering for those in the team.
“I thought I would be in South Africa but the development can only inspire me to work even harder rather than taking it the other way round. I know the coaches and the system are very professional and my time will also come.”
On the flip side though, Chikuhwa will have an opportunity to increase his tally in the league as Premiership action will be running during the COSAFA tournament.
He will lead Bosso from the front when the Kelvin Kaindu charges visit Yadah at the Heart Stadium on Saturday.
“My focus will be helping the team pick the maximum points against Yadah Stars. It is going to be a very difficult game playing against such a strong team with quality players,” said Chikuhwa.
“But I just hope that we will be at our best and play well to take home the full points.”
Online Reporter