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Tadious Manyepo in JOHANNESBURG, South Africa
CYNTHIA Shonga is riding high at the ongoing Cosafa Women’s Championship in Gauteng, South Africa.
The Mighty Warriors goalkeeper is currently the only one yet to concede a goal at this fiesta.
Zimbabwe have won both their first two group matches against Lesotho (1-0) and Namibia (2-0).
The Shadreck Mlauzi charges have to avoid defeat in their final group game against Botswana to secure a semi-final berth on their return to international foot-ball after a two-year period in the cold due to a FIFA suspension.
For a team that was assembled only a fortnight before the commencement of the regional competition, Zimbabwe have written a very beautiful script that has caotured the imagination of many.
While there are several new faces in Mlauzi’s squad, perhaps the most surprising pick for both matches was Shonga.
The 23-year-old was expected to sit out given the other two goalkeepers in the team, Lindiwe Magwede and Chido Dzingirai are tried and tested veterans for the position.
But Mlauzi trusted his instincts and has been throwing Shonga in the deep end.
The Harare City goalminder hasn’t disappointed.
She has stood tall, in both the games, and won critical acclaim.
After an injury scare in the opening match against Lesotho in a game she kept a clean sheet, Shonga delivered a splendid show in the game against Namibia.
She recorded seven saves in that match including two from point blank range.
And she captured the player of the match accolade.
Shonga set social media ablaze with admirers seeking to know more about her.
And she is looking forward to mop up the group stage business with another fine performance against Botswana at Dobsonville this afternoon.
“I am very happy with how the team has performed up to now. I have built a very good understanding with my defence and that is one of the main reasons why we have not conceded a goal after two games,” said Shonga.
“As a team, we are highly motivated especially by the fact that we have not been playing football over the past two years.
“We are here to compete with the best in Southern Africa.
“For me, keeping clean sheets is the ultimate dream because I know what that does to the team. I am looking forward to yet another flawless goalkeeping show against Namibia in our next game.”
Yet just six years ago, Shonga had a dream to become a lethal striker as she was an infield player at Faith Drive Academy.
She was being touted as one of the best strikers of her generation at the Mutare outfit which funded her secondary education at Nyamauru High School.
“I was really good playing as a centre forward because I was blessed with power. I could pack really good shots and had an eye for goal,” said Shonga.
“But God had other plans for me and I am really grateful”.
She converted to being a goalkeeper by sheer coincidence.
Faith Drive Academy were playing friendly match against a Mutare-based team which had heavily built players who, after realising Faith Drive had a pint-sized keeper, resorted to hitting high balls at goal.
They were threatening a harvest of goals and Faith Drive coach John Masibera decided to deploy Shonga in goal.
“He (Masibera) just said Cynthia, you have big hands and you can rescue the situation. The rest is history”.
Mighty Warriors Goalkeepers’ coach Ndega Matsika said Shonga could become one of the best in that position on the continent.
“She has everything. The command, the control, the agility, footwork and can read the game well,” said Matsika.
“She is destined for greatness if she stays grounded and focused”.
Online Reporter