Mapisa or Tizayi?

Lawrence Moyo

MWOS coach, Lloyd “Samaita” Mutasa faces a selection hurdle for the most important position when his charges take on struggling Dynamos in a potentially explosive, tension filled Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clash at Ngoni Stadium on Monday.

Some believe, if selected to play, Martin Mapisa will be under too much pressure due to his 2024 stint with Dynamos.

Meanwhile, Dynamos and MWOS have been involved in games of small margins which make the goalkeeper’s role even more critical.

Two of Mutasa’s goalkeepers have Dynamos roots. Mapisa was the key player at the Glamour Boys last season before crossing the floor to Norton once MWOS secured a Premiership ticket in January.

Mapisa has featured in five of the six matches so far -against Highlanders, Yadah, Bikita Minerals, ZPC Kariba and Herentals while Tizayi’s has one match so far, the goalless draw at FC Platinum.

On this basis, Mapisa is a favourite to start on Monday. However, the Dynamos element means his selection is not automatic.

Mutasa was evasive on the issue, saying selection is determined at training.

“It is not something that has been of concern to me and selection will be determined at training as always. Martin is an experienced goalkeeper and is also part of the national team, so I believe he has enough experience to handle any pressure.”

Mutasa once worked with Tizayi at FC Platinum, and it probably explains why the match at Mandava remains his only appearance so far.

“Tizayi is a very good goalkeeper and he was my first choice goalkeeper during my days at FC Platinum and, if he gets the nod against Dynamos I do not doubt him.”