adminBruce Chikuni
HE was the star of the Harare Derby, in his first start for Dynamos, and midfielder Issa Sadiki says it was worth the wait.
The reality is he might not have played had Bill Antonio not been suspended for the red card he picked in the ill-fated Battle of Zimbabwe.
But, it’s fair to say he made full use of his chance and flourished on the wings, where he transformed himself into the Matchwinner, in the Derby.
Sadiki scored the opening goal in the 3-0 comprehensive defeat of CAPS United.
Ironically, he was playing against his former paymasters CAPS United.
The Highfield-born player, who comes from a family with a rich history in football, was showered with money by delirious DeMbare fanatics, soon after the match.
His explosion will give Ndiraya a tough time when teenage star Antonio returns from suspension.
Sadiki, 25, is a younger brother of Ali, Takunda Sadiki and Tapuwa Kapini.
“I can say patience really paid off, it was my first start of the season, the coach has always emphasised the importance of grabbing your opportunity,” said Sadiki.
“He is always telling us to train hard and stay ready so that when your time comes, you will be psychologically ready for the task.
“It is always difficult to remain calm, but I have enough trust, respect and belief in our coach (Ndiraya), so I kept his words knowing my time will come.”
He acknowledged to H-Metro that he was feeling under pressure to make a good case for himself before the game.
“It wasn’t an easy fixture for us, I was feeling too much pressure, knowing this is my first start as a Dynamos player, and it wasn’t easy for me to cope with the pressure that comes with it,” he said.
“I wanted to show everyone that I can play, I’m ready, I then told myself that I have to just chill out and enjoy every moment of the game.
“I want to thank my teammates, the coaches and everyone associated with the club, I want to give all the glory to God.
Sadiki had a forgettable spell at CAPS United after joining Makepekepe in 2015 when the club was under the tutelage of Mark Mathe.
He believes CAPS United’s fans don’t recognise him. “Yes, I joined CAPS after completing my secondary studies at Prince Edward, I was very young,” said Sadiki.
“I didn’t have the privilege of game time, I never played, sometimes I would find myself sitting on the bench but, in most cases, I was dropped out of the first team.
“It was just like that during my tenure at CAPS, and I don’t think their fans are aware that I was once their own.
“My target is to help the team to win the championship, you know Dynamos are a big club which is expected to win the league every time.”
He added:
“I’m happy to be part of this family and I will try the best I can to help the team.
“As an individual, I hope this is a major turning point of my career, I want to help the team by scoring and assisting my teammates in the best way possible.
“I’m grateful to the Dynamos family, because it’s a platform which has given birth to many legends and current stars, I know it will help me to grow my talent and take me elsewhere,” he added.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter