Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WALTER MUSONA sees the coming in of his brother Knowledge as both exciting and challenging.
The Scottland captain is finally living a dream after Knowledge decided to become teammates with him this week.
It’s something the two-time Castle Lager Soccer Star of the Year has always talked about, envying just how siblings like Madinda, Peter and the late Adam Ndlovu formed deadly partnerships when playing for Highlanders in the early ’90s.
And for what seemed like eternity, Walter’s wish looked like it was never going to be fulfilled.
Knowledge has never played in the local Premiership as he was extracted directly from the Aces Youth Soccer Academy just when he was maturing and catapulted into the South African top-flight by Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs.
But after a lengthy spell spanning 16 years, which saw the former Warriors captain playing in South Africa, Germany and Saudi Arabia, the talented forward is back home where he has joined flamboyant side Scottland.
At the same club, the “Smiling Assassin” has linked up with long-time Warriors’ teammate Khama Billiat and the pair has a chance to relive their best days for Zimbabwe when they were at the peak of their powers.
And for Walter, captaining the man who he regards as a role model and a father-figure both on and off the field, is both challenging and exciting.
“I’m so excited to share the dressing room with my brother.
“It’s something I have always dreamed of and while it came as a surprise for me that he was joining Scottland, I couldn’t be happier,” said Walter.
“I don’t think I contributed anything to his decision.
“He wanted to play for Scottland, and since we both wanted to be in the same team, he made the move here.
“I’m certainly happy to be the captain, but I’m still learning. I think I’ll learn a lot from him and Khama, as they are our most senior and experienced players.”
Ironically, Walter is having one of his most difficult seasons in recent years, a term after captaining Simba Bhora to the championship last year.
He has scored just once this term in 23 outings but he believes the coming in of Knowledge, while that is not going to make him change his style, could propel him to step up and register his name on the scoresheet often.
“I’m not going to change my style of play, but I will be learning a few things to improve and help the team.
“Knowledge is someone who always wants to see me do better, so he constantly tells me to work hard every day. His coming will obviously push me to push even harder,” added Walter.
The two brothers could line up against title rivals FC Platinum at Mandava this afternoon as Knowledge begins a new chapter in his storied career.
Scottland will make a huge step towards the right direction if they manage to beat the Zvishavane, side which is interestingly coached by the same man, Norman Mapeza who has contributed a lot to the careers of both players.
It is Mapeza who handed Knowledge his Warriors debut and the gaffer even predicted the forward was poised for greater things and that came to pass.
When Walter’s career took a giant leap after he was snapped up by South African Premiership side Polokwane City, It was Mapeza who had shaped his game.
The former Warriors coach and captain also welcomed back Walter after his stint with Polokwane City had ended.
And the beautiful game will see the two brothers standing in opposition territory this afternoon as they try to win the title together.
FC Platinum are well into it and they will as well make a giant leap with a victory over Scottland.
But for Walter, who wowed Zvishavane while playing for FC Platinum just two seasons ago, winning the fixture will mean a lot.
“Winning championships is never easy but with the addition of Knowledge and his experience, I think our confidence as a team is boosted.
“We are going to work hard, take each game as it comes, and see what happens at the end of the year.
“FC Platinum is a big team but we are going to go at them and try to win the match.”
Today’s showdown before an expected full house at Mandava could also have a huge bearing on the direction the riveting championship race will take with both FC Platinum and Scottland firmly in the title mix.
