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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
DYNAMOS might have just bumped on what they missed in their failed bid to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title last season.
The Glamour Boys did virtually everything needed, including grinding results from tough situations last year, but they lacked a match-winner, especially after the departure of Bill Antonio to Belgium.
And after a sustained push, they eventually slowed down to finish the season in a disappointing third-place.
But they seem to have struck gold, especially with the signing of an unassuming 21-year-old winger Tendai Matindife who has been showing just the proper glimpses since joining from Ngezi Platinum Stars.
The former Manica Diamonds player is certainly one of the less glamorous signings made by coach Herbert “Jompano” Maruwa but he has been proving otherwise, at least in the pre-season friendlies played by Dynamos so far.
His track record is not that bad as well although his league debut was something forgettable.
Matindife was first thrown into the fray by Luke Masomere in Manica Diamonds’ league match against Bulawayo Chiefs as a teenager a few years ago and he got a typical baptism of fire, straying in all aspects of the game and lasted for just 36 minutes.
But there was no doubting his potential with Ngezi Platinum Under-19 taking him aboard. After scoring six goals and providing nine assists, Matindife was promoted into the senior squad by former coach Benjani Mwaruwari. And in only seven appearances, the youngster scored thrice and dished two assists.
He has taken the same form to Dynamos whose attack always looks dangerous when he is playing. Matindife has already scored once and provided two assists, including a defence-splitter in DeMbare’s last friendly match against Dulibadzimu in Beitbridge last weekend.
He is being touted as the X-Factor that the Glamour Boys missed in decisive moments last season. And the boy is loving every bit of it, including his comparisons with Bill Antonio. The latter took the league by storm last year, literally carrying the Glamour Boys on his little shoulders, scoring and assisting with incredible consistency.
Antonio was eventually snatched by Belgian side KV Mechelen where he is playing for the team’s Under-23 side.
His departure left a huge vacuum which former coach Tonderai Ndiraya failed to fill and Dynamos capitulated under the weight of expectations.
“Playing for Dynamos, for me, is a dream come true. I didn’t expect they would rope me in this early but this is football, you have to be alive to the fact that now is the time,” said Matindife.
“I am very glad to be at a team of Dynamos’ stature. I know the expectations and the pressure. But, for me, pressure makes me thrive. I have seen the worst in my young career.
“I was given my Premiership debut by coach Luke Masomere a few years back and I was afraid of making mistakes, resulting in me being pulled out about nine minutes before the break. It was so painful but I learnt my lessons. “I am one person who is not afraid of making mistakes. I do what my mind tells me to do and that has been working wonders for me since I joined Ngezi Platinum. “At first I played for the Ngezi Platinum’s Under-19 team in the Northern Region Division Soccer League. I was then promoted to the senior team.
“Then Dynamos came knocking. I have told myself that this is Dynamos and the expectations are always high but I have never felt the pressure. I will just do what I know best and make Dynamos great again.”
Matindife said he feels great to draw comparisons with Antonio.
“As youngsters, I will tell you we all looked and envied Bill Antonio when he was making strides at Dynamos. That was his chance and I am glad I have been given mine at the same stage as well.
“The goal is to win and win for Dynamos as well. I am very happy I am at Dynamos right now where pressure is the daily routine but I enjoy the pressure because I know, it can only make me a better player. At the end of the day, I am here to give my all for the sake of Dynamos.”
Coach Maruwa said football is a game where people play the way they train and Matindife’s pre-season brilliance should be a good enough measure of his prowess.
“Football is no magic. The way one performs in training or in a friendly game is most likely the same way they will carry themselves in real competition,” said Maruwa.
“Matindife is a brilliant player who is blessed with speed and skill. He has shown just a glimpse of what he is capable of doing in our friendly matches.
“I hope he will carry the same form into the new season.”
The 2023 PSL season begins next week and Dynamos are away to Hwange in their first match.
Online Reporter