adminNoel Munzabwa
FORMER Swaziland National team and Mbabane Highlanders striker Lazarous Casper Sambo vividly cherishes memories from his one and only visit to Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia, in 1976 when his solitary strike handed Sihlangu a slender 1-0 win at Rufaro Stadium.
In an unsolicited interview on Tuesday morning, the 70-year-old Sambo, winner of over a dozen league titles with Mbabane Highlanders, spoke passionately of his memories of Hararea��s home of soccer.
a�?You are from Zimbabwe, now let me tell you about my visit to your country in 1976. You guys had one of the best stadiums and I hope you have maintained it.
a�?We had gone there to play against your national team and I scored the only and winning goal on that day.
a�?I have been to other countries like Malawi, Zambia, Lesotho and Egypt but I will always cherish that Zimbabwe experience most,a�? said Sambo.
When told that an artificial turf had been installed at Rufaro Stadium, Sambo almost leapt in joy emphatically declaring he would not mind revisiting the stadium.
a�?The next time you visit home (Zimbabwe) I would not mind joining you. I would not mind visiting that stadium again, hopefully before God says come I must have visited the stadium,a�? said Sambo.
We then took time to preview the forthcoming 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Cup qualifiers, Zimbabwe versus Swaziland, set for next monthend.A� Sambo said Zimbabwe were above Swaziland in terms of rankings and performance.
After being told of current rankings which have Sihlangu above the Warriors, Sambo described the rankings as mere numbers.
a�?Those are mere numbers used to calculate rankings but it does not mean Swaziland are better than Zimbabwe. To be honest for Swaziland to beat Zimbabwe they need to train hard and consult further on how they can win that game.
a�?I so much wish to watch the matches but pity I am now old and dona��t get much in terms of finances,a�? said Sambo.
After close to 10 minutes of football talk, this correspondent voluntarily paid off the prescription bill at a private pharmacy before Sambo gladly wrote down his contact number before departing for his Zibonele home in the Northern Hhohho Region.
A check on the football history confirms Sambo was a member of the formative Mbabane Highlanders squad in the late 50s that dominated Swazi football and two of his sons played for the popular and most successful soccer giants.
Online Reporter