Online Reporter
Don Makanyanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
RALPH Kawondera is 35, playing wherever Herentals need him and leading the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League scoring charts. At a stage when many players are slowing down, the veteran captain looks to be enjoying some of the best football of his career.
Fourteen matches into the season, Kawondera sits at the top of the goal-scoring race with nine goals and has become one of the biggest reasons behind Herentals’ rise this year.
For a player moving between positions almost every week, his numbers make the story even harder to ignore.
But the former Dynamos man is keeping his feet on the ground.
“God’s time is always the best,” he said with a smile. Herentals have quietly pushed themselves into the conversation this season. Sitting among the chasing pack, “The Students” have built much of their progress around a captain willing to do whatever the team asks of him.
One week he is leading the attack. Another week he drops into midfield.
Sometimes he drifts out wide and there have been games where he has even found himself filling gaps in defence.
Kawondera says adapting has followed him throughout his career.
“Basically, I can play every position on the pitch.
“Several coaches that I have worked with have played me in different roles.
“I have played as a centre-back, right-back, central midfielder, a number 10, a winger and a number 9.”
That flexibility has given Herentals options and, this season, it has come with goals.
The veteran believes the environment at the club has also helped bring out his best football.
“I have played for different teams across the country, but I believe this is my best start to a season. It is all down to the conducive environment created for the players by the club owner, Dr Benza,” he said.
Herentals sit fifth on the table on 25 points, level with defending champions Scottland, and what initially looked like a good start is beginning to look like something bigger.
Kawondera is still refusing to get carried away.
“We are not putting ourselves under pressure. We will just take each game as it comes. I believe with the current team spirit and by working together, we can achieve great things this season.”
