‘I was trembling when I made my DeMbare debut’

Veronica Gwaze Sports Reporter

HE is one of the two youngest players on the current Dynamos squad and yet he is so down to earth and has the capability to keep himself grounded even when the Glamour Boys’ vicious supporters become hostile.

Elton Makona in fact maybe young but his maturity on and off the court tells a story of a young lad with a bright future.

The 20-year old prodigy, a Sunrise Academy offspring is in his Premier Soccer League maiden season, after recently graduating from the DeMbare junior side. He made a clinical debut as a second half introduction at National Sports Stadium when the Herbert ‘Jompano’ Marowa fell to a shock 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Bulawayo Chiefs three weeks back. Despite a heartbreaking downfall that left the Glamour Boys supporters devastated, Makona had a debut to remember.

“I recall when the chance came, I was trembling,” he said.

“Raising my gaze to the terraces, the numbers and the atmosphere said a lot, I was not sure what I was to do stepping onto pitch.

“The coach reminded me to take it like any other training day, which gave me an idea of what to do. Deep down I wanted to score and make a powerful first impression, however I failed so I have to fight another day.

“I was unfazed when the supporters came baying for our blood because I had tasted this as a junior I knew I had to remain composed.”

The young star is expecting to make another appearance today when DeMbare face bogey side Herentals at National Sports Stadium this afternoon.

Coming from a goalless draw against Triangle, Makona feels the team is hungry for victory.

“I know it will not be a light game, we are the big side so we have a reputation to protect while them on the other hand have something to prove,” he said.

“ As juniors, we need to complement the seniors in remaining stable as a team and fighting to the end, I look forward to a chance, it will be great to contribute for the good of Dembare.”

His Journey

Makona’s football journey started at six where he would play street football with my friends in Dzivaresekwa.

At the time, street football was nothing but an activity to while up time and socialise. Unknowingly, he was actually attracting attention to an extent that by the time he reached 10, he was signed under Sunrise Academy.

“ My parents were not really into the idea of me playing football so even when I joined the academy, I was not serious about it.”

However, when he was the drafted into the Dynamos juniors at 14 by Coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigove, his parents had a change of heart. It is only then that they (parents) took time to follow and watch his matches. He recalls how his parents travelled for the Marvellous Nakamba Foundation Tournament which was held at White City Stadium, Bulawayo in June last year. Makona, who was part of the top goal scorers, was however disappointed when DeMbare were disqualified from the tournament on allegations of age-cheating.

He still has memories of the tournament which he says was the best throughout his stint with the junior Glamour Boys.

“ I had spent years with the juniors but it is my experience at the Nakamba Tournament that gave me an insight of the Dynamos supporters. They came in numbers as if it was a seniors’ match and I could see emotion change with each minute.

“I believe that it is that day’s experience that hardened and prepared me mentally when it comes to dealing with fans.”

When Makona was promoted into the seniors’ fold, he realised that the terrain was different from what he expected.

However, he said, this was his chance to live his dream.

“The first few days felt like a dream because I had never imagined myself playing with the big guys.

“Imagine the guys I was used to watching on television and getting a chance to finally play with them,” he said.

“However on the pitch, it was now a different environment altogether, the training had changed, and it was intense so I needed to adjust quickly.

“The big guys have been instrumental in the transition; they guide us in every way which has made life easy for us.

“ I actually look forward to training every day, I believe being at Dynamos is a chance to make a name for myself and the team.

“ I started the professional journey in the deep end but that should not make me panic, it is actually a chance to toughen us up and prepare us for other tasks ahead.

“ Today, we look forward to a win, we have a title to chase, supporters to please, and a reputation to uphold so we are physically and mentally ready.”