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Tobias Mandoreba, Sunday Life Reporter
The adage “dynamite comes in small packages” perfectly applies if one looks at the scenario of Hwange FC talismanic, pencil-slim striker Gift Mbweti (24), who has been a menace and a handful to many defenders in this year’s Castle Lager Premier league campaign.The youngster stormed into the limelight and in the process had his profile shoot up like a phoenix in the first year of playing in the nation’s elite league. Mbweti is the joint top goal scorer in the league alongside Caps United’s veteran striker Leonard Tsipa who, who interestingly is ten years Mbweti’s senior!
Sunday Leisure’s Tobias Mandoreba(TM) caught up with Gift Mbweti (GM) at his home in Hwange, relaxed ahead of last week’s home match against Border Strikers.
TM: Hello Gift, it is a good to be at home as you relax and wait for training.
GM: Thanks, Mr Mandoreba, welcome to my humble abode.
TM: Firstly, when was Gift Mbweti born?
GM: I was born in Victoria Falls on 6 October 1991. We are two in my family and I am the first born, then comes my younger sister Anxious.
TM: Did you start playing at a tender age?
GM: I can say around Grade 4 at Chinotimba Primary School. It was under the tutelage of Mr Zibonele Ncube to whom I am indebted to for kick-starting my career as he gave me lots of guidance and encouragement. He took me to Division Two when I was still in secondary school at Mosi High School with a team called It Happens FC and that was in 2008. He is now the coach of Division One side Amagagasi FC but I continue to hold him in high esteem as far my career is concerned.
TM: Players do have nicknames, what is yours and what does it mean?
GM: I am called “Jikela ” it means “ throw something into something” and in this case it is the back of the net and I have been having that name from a young age as scoring has always been my passion when I play soccer.
TM: When did you come to Hwange? I believe you started from the junior ranks.
GM: I came here in 2012 and joined Hwange Under-20 up to June 2014 when I briefly left to join Technosphere in Division One and that year I was part of the Soccer Stars of the Year in the Southern Region with only six months of action.
In 2015, I made a return to the Hwange senior team but I made only three appearances from the bench but it did not kill my spirit as I knew that one day if I kept on working hard, things would work out.
This year my break through came but it was only in the third game against Ngezi Platinum Stars. I was very happy after the match as I had created one of the goals for Gilbert Zulu. I have fond memories of that game which was also our first home win this year.
TM: What drives Gift Mbweti, given that your current form in my opinion is an indication of the things to come in the near future and the fact that you are the joint top goal scorer in the league at the moment with nine goals?
GM: The zeal to play good soccer and score goals has been in me from birth and I always like to make sure that in every match I make a significant contribution which makes our fans happy.
TM: Any special secret activity or shall I say ritual before any game?
GM: Nothing, I believe in my God in heaven who has blessed me with this talent. I pray that he gives me more years to produce wonders in the soccer field and contribute towards improving soccer standards in Zimbabwe.
TM: How do you rate the Zimbabwe’s football standards given that you in the thick of things and now becoming a household name?
GM: It is tough here in our local league and I can say the strength of our football is in defence .You don’t just score easily and for fun here, you have to work for it big time.
TM: They say that eleven players make a team, what do you say about your current teammates?
GM: I enjoy playing alongside them as they have in one way or another made me the player I am today. I am hopeful that we can play together for a few years to come as we are getting to know each other better by the game.
TM: In your opinion, who is the best player in the league?
GM: Without any shade of doubt, FC Platinum’s Rodwell Chinyengetere is a shoulder above the rest. We played together and I can confidently say that he is a skilled and wonderful player.
TM: What is your ambition or where are you headed as a player?
GM: Things will work out one day but like any other player, my ambition will be to feature in some of the best leagues be it here in Africa or Europe, but for now my heart is with Chipangano.
TM: In your opinion, what can make your current team bigger and better?
GM: The main issue is the provision of more resources to the team’s requirements and also for the players’ needs. The team has history and deserves a place in Zimbabwe football.
TM: With the way you have played so far this year, do you think you deserve to be among the Castle Lager Premier Soccer Stars for 2016?
GM: I will leave that one for the selectors to decide while I concentrate on the core business of producing results in the field.
TM: Is the hype and publicity you are currently receiving locally affecting you or subjecting to any pressure?
GM: Not at all, I can handle it well. It is part and parcel of the game if you are a player.
TM: Recently Hwange lost to Ngezi Platinum in the Chibuku Super Cup first round game, how did you feel after probably missing out on a chance to feature in the African Safari?
GM: Well it happens, losing is part of the game, we tried hard but it was not our day and we will try again next year and work towards winning that cup.
TM: Away from the soccer field, what does Gift Mbweti like do?
GM: Talking a walk around Hwange town, watching movies, playing pool and tennis with my friends.
TM: Now to more rather private question, anyone in the love life of the “coal celebrity” Gift Mbweti?
GM: (with a chuckle first) I have a steady girlfriend but I am not at liberty to disclose her identity now but people will see her on my wedding day.
TM: Last but not least, what can the Hwange fans expect from Gift in the last few games?
GM: Our position on the log is not good and I will work very hard to help my team get the results so that we end the season in a decent position. I am grateful to the fans for the support so far hence I need to repay their faith in me.
TM: Thanks Gift and for the cup of coffee as well. All the best in your career and continue to keep a cool head.
GM: Thanks mdhara, my pleasure, anytime you are welcome and thanks for the support.
Online Reporter