Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
KNOWLEDGE Musona is turning back the hands of time.
The former Warriors captain, who turns 36 on June 21, has hit a purple patch in the Castle Lager Premiership.
On Saturday, he scored his fourth goal, in the past three games, with his brace sinking a battling Herentals who showed, in the second half, why they are one of the in-form clubs in the Premiership.
However, by the time the Students found their rhythm, they already had a mountain to climb as they were two goals down.
Musona scored both goals.
The first was a poacher’s strike, hitting the ball on instinct into the roof of the net after a good team move ended with him being given the invitation to provide the final touch.
The second goal was something we have seen a number of times from the Smiling Assassin.
When the Scotts were given a free-kick, on the edge of the Herentals penalty area, there was no questioning who was going to take it.
But, taking it is one thing.
Executing it is another totally different challenge. But Musona has been in that position before – for club and country.
The moment the ball left his boot, it was clear that it had been programmed for the far post.
The goalkeeper got a touch, to his credit, but there was so much power behind the ball that he couldn’t keep it out.
Musona was crowned champion in his first season on home soil last year.
And, there are many analysts who believe that his arrival, during mid-season, was the turning point in the championship race.
They feel that if Musona had chosen his hometown club, MWOS, it’s very likely the Norton-based club would have won the championship. Instead, he chose to play alongside his brother Walter and, in recent matches, coach Norman Mapeza has been using what has been dubbed the BMW attacking formation.
That attack has the two Musona bothers and the ageless Khama Billiat.
Since joining the defending champions last season, Musona has produced a series of influential performances marked by intelligent movement, clinical finishing and an ability to read the game several steps ahead of opponents.
Musona has emerged as Scottland’s most important player.
The champions are chasing a US$5,000 bonus, for each member of their team, if they end the first half of the season in first place.
Their next game is at home against Triangle.
Speaking on the perfect timing of Musona’s scoring form, Mapeza, said:
“Winning is about timing, being there at the right time. He has been doing that the past three games.
“That’s why he’s scoring goals. It’s timing, perfect, perfect timing.”
Despite spending years abroad, Musona appears to have lost none of the awareness and composure which made him one of the country’s most successful exports.
As the title race enters a crucial phase, Scottland will be counting on that experience.
The defending champions remain among the favourites to retain their crown.
Musona’s ability to produce decisive moments could prove critical in determining where the championship ends up.
