dyton mupawaenda
Bruce Chikuni
MANICA Diamonds forward, Evans Katema, has been struck with what now appears like supernatural forces which have made it difficult for the dreadlocked hitman to shine at title contending teams.
His impressive seven goals in the first round of the Castle Lager Premiership with Bikita Minerals earned him flowers.
That was not a small feat for someone who had been forgotten in the local football circles having flopped at Dynamos, Black Rhinos and Zambia’s Zanaco FC.
His seven goals predicted a bright future and were also enough to force his name into the Golden Boot conversation.
The switch to the Gem Boys had some suggesting that he was going to hit double figures as they seemed like a stable side.
Others were also quick to cite his average spells with Dynamos as they downplayed his capacity to lead the way.
And, Katema is now slowly disappearing in the Golden Boot marathon as he has failed to register a goal in six attempts since joining the club.
The weight of expectations appears to be weighing heavily on his shoulders.
The fear of not living up to his potential have collided with the team’s misfortune as their Sunday’s 0-1 loss at the hands of CAPS United stretched their winless run to 10 games.
And, they are now 12 points behind leaders, Simba Bhora with 10 games go play before the end of the campaign.
The spark that once drove the 36-year-old appears to have been shadowed by the ghost of past failures.
He is now three goals behind the Golden Boot race which is being jointly led by the trio of Simba Bhora’s Tymon Machope, Khama Billiat of Yadah Stars and CAPS United’ William Manondo.
Katema also scored seven goals when he left the now defunct Mushowane Stars for Dynamos in a similar move in 2019.
He went on to record five times for the remainder of the season for the Glamour Boys.
This means he netted 12 goals in his best season.
His best remains seven goals he registered at Mushowane Stars and Bikita Minerals respectively.
He needs five goals go equal that tally.
The problem is no player at the club has managed five goals after the restart, at first it was Nyasha Chintuli who lost his way despite netting 10 times in the first round of matches.
Last season, Fortune Binzi, also fizzled out after netting 10 goals and his silence has made it difficult to believe if he is still at the club.
Manica Diamonds coach, Jairosi Tapera, had high hopes for Katema, believing he would be a guiding light in their offensive unit.
“Katema is a good striker and I think he will give us want we are looking for in our offensive unit,” said Tapera after the arrival of Katema.
“He has a big role to play in helping us to achieve our objectives.
“We are more than happy to have him at the club.”
Online Reporter