Foreign stars sparkle

Bruce Chikuni-Sports Reporter

IT has been an impressive start to the season for foreign players in the Castle Lager Premiership, as they appear to be justifying their presence in the league.

The domestic top-flight league has not had an exciting player for as long as fans can remember.

Emmanuel Paga of Manica Diamonds and Elie Ilunga were the last imports to record 10 goals, and that figure remains their all-time best since their arrival.

Paga scored 10 times for Dynamos four seasons ago. Ilunga was the last foreign player to feature in the domestic iconic calender which features 11 best players of the season.

The Congolese forward had made his breakthrough season with Black Rhinos in the 2022 campaign before spending two forgettable seasons with Dynamos.

MWOS FC forward Wilson Mensah with a goal this season almost came close to hitting the 10-goal mark, which has slowly become a benchmark for foreign strikers in the PSL.

But, he finished the season just three goals behind that tally two seasons ago.

Vincent Aboubaker, Albert Eonde, Alex Orotoma Martin Ofori all failed to reach three goals as a unit before returning to their respective countries.

Sylvester Appiah and Rashid Seidu are some of the foreign players who struggled to make a mark in the last five seasons.

The campaign is promising more, as Simba Bhora’s Isakar Gurirab and Mustafa Francis of Yadah Stars have managed three goals apiece in six assignments.

They have done well in keeping pace with TelOne forward Washington Navaya, who is leading the pack with five goals during the period under review.

Gurirab has scored half of Simba Bhora goals so far, and before their last emphatic 4-1 against Manica Diamonds, no player had netted for the club in their first five fixtures.

A brace from Junior Makunike and Tinotenda Meke’s goal makes the teams’ six goals for this campaign.

To add to the list of foreign players who have had a bright start, there’s also Malawian goalkeeper William Thole.

The Flames’s first choice goalie, Thole of Simba Bhora has recorded four clean sheets in six games.

His tally is the best registered in the history books of the club in their first six games since their debut season three seasons ago.

They managed three clean sheets and conceded four times during the same period three seasons ago.

When they won the championship last season, they only registered two clean sheets in their first six matches.

Ghanaian import, Seidu, a goalie, who was also roped in by Simba Bhora in their debut season, only played before he was show the door.

Only FC Platinum’s David Bizabani is just a clean sheet ahead of Thole in the Golden Glove race.

There is also Scottland forward, Sydney Urikhob who has been promising but a limited role is likely going to slow his progress.

Francis, from Burundi, has netted Yadah’s three of their four goals.

Only Evens, Rusike has shouldered the scoring burden for the Miracle Boys with just a goal.

He is now 10 goals away from equaling the club all time best record which was set last season by Khama Billiat.

Before Billiat, the record was held by Ralph Matema, who netted 11 times for the Miracle Boys in the 2019 season.

Yadah coach Ikabort Masocha feels Francis can reach the 20-goal mark, which had appeared to be a big ask from local strikers.

“He is definitely on the right track, Mustafa is a true professional who is always focused and consistent. His strong performance comes from the work he puts in at training.

“He works incredibly hard, if he stays fit, I expect him to be very proud of his contribution. And, barring any injuries, I believe he will comfortably reach double figures this season,” said Masocha.

It has been a nervy start for Yadah, who have racked up five points in six matches.

But their spirited fight against Scottland last weekend, when they forced a 1-1 draw, has made people believe they can easily turn the corner in no time.

Masocha revealed his mission for this season.

“I have been well received at Yadah, the team is adopting well to my ideas, and it has been made easier because we share a similar football philosophy.

“My goal is to improve on the team’s previous performances and ultimately secure a top-half finish.

“We are also aiming to make a mark in any domestic tournament that will be played this season,” said Masocha.