Chronicle Editor
Sports Reporter
FORMER Mountain Climbers striker Lameck “Lamza” Mafu took the Botswana First Division North League by storm by winning the Golden Boot with Philikwe United.
The goal poacher, who resuscitated his career in Botswana after his team Climbers was kicked out of the Zifa Southern Region Division One League just before the 2023 mid-season break, scored nine goals from 18 matches.
He finished joint top goal scorer with Peacemakers striker Thabang Watlala.
However, his goal-scoring exploits were not enough to save his team from finishing at the bottom of the log.
Mafu’s decision to try his luck in Botswana has paid dividends.
Even though his team parted ways with head coach Maffy Masuku and replaced him with South African Tshepo Malahlea, Mafu continued to find the back of the net.
To prove that his scoring exploits are not a fluke, Mafu left Zimbabwe after scoring five goals in eight matches, meaning that in the 2024 season, the 25-year-old striker scored a total of 14 goals.
Zimpapers Sports Hub caught up with the former Milton and Gifford High schoolboy, who expressed his joy at finally making a name for himself as a striker.
“I was working hard hoping that I would get a breakthrough in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League, but it did not happen. Last year, everything was on course as I was one of the top goal scorers in Division One League, but it was unfortunate that the team (Climbers) disbanded,” said Mafu.
Mafu indicated that he is now a free agent and is weighing offers for his next move.
“I packed my bags to join Pilikwe United hoping that things would work out for me in Botswana, and I am glad that things did work. I settled well and I have received some offers from Botswana’s top-flight and Division One teams. I am yet to decide on my next move as I signed a one-year contract with Pilikwe,” said Mafu, a product of FMH Academy.
Mafu also outlined his ambition for the future.
“As a striker, you are judged by the number of goals you score and that is why I worked hard to ensure that I get nine goals. My wish was to hit double figures, but I had to endure the pain of making substitute appearances which affected my season’s goal tally,” Mafu said.
He is currently in the country as the Botswana league is in the off-season.
Online Reporter